Cindy Lee Crane pleaded guilty to stealing clothes from Marion

A beautician and dog groomer cries as court hears about her odd behaviour regarding a stolen $1000 suit and other items.

A former beautician and dog groomer cried as her solicitor argued she deserved one more shot to rehabilitate herself, after stuffing stolen goods behind a vending machine.

Cindy Lee Crane, 48, appeared via video link in the Christies Beach Magistrate court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to a number of charges including possessing a controlled drug and dishonestly taking property.

The court heard Crane, who was out on bail relating to an arson charge, entered Myers and David Jones in Oaklands Park on January 14, 2021 and began helping herself to a number of items, including a suit valued over $1000 as well as purses and handbags.

“They were very expensive items,” Magistrate Teresa Anderson said in her sentencing remarks.

“Your behaviour was odd on that occasion … you left behind a shopping trolley.

“The facts revealed that most of the items were found either under vehicles or behind a vending machine.”

Cindy Lee Crane pleaded guilty to stealing a number of items in Christies Beach Magistrate Court. Picture: Facebook

The court heard police spoke to Crane on the day, telling them she wasn’t aware of what happened.

A few weeks later on January 22, police found an ice pipe, a controlled drug as well as prescribed medication that did not belong to Crane.

On January 29, Crane attended Aldi at Noarlunga Centre where she proceeded to steal a TV and air purifier. The TV was recovered.

The court also heard later on in September, Crane tried to steal over $1000 worth of power tools from Bunnings but was stopped in the car park.

Peter Hill, defence counsel for Crane, said his client has had a circuit breaker in her drug using habits and asked the court to give her one last chance at a better life.

“She understands that she has problems, but to her credit she has sought assistance to address those issues,” Mr Hill said.

“Your honour has the opportunity to set up a sentence that sets her up to succeed.

“Just because it didn’t work two years ago, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t give it a try.

“It is not a magic click of the finger for people to stop using drugs.”

Magistrate Anderson sentenced Crane to six months imprisonment, partially suspended after three months.

Crane was also ordered to pay $299 compensation for the air purifier.

Convictions were recorded.