Raquel O’Loughlin, 24, pleaded guilty to stealing from a number of businesses

A magistrate has slammed a mother for bringing her children along on one of her stealing sprees, which her lawyer said she did out of necessity.

A young mum held her head in her hands over the very real possibility of jail time, being told by a magistrate a lack of money did not make it okay to steal.

Raquel O’Loughlin, 24, appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrate Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to multiple theft charges that occurred at a number of locations across the state.

The court heard O’Loughlin was found stealing groceries from On The Run in Port Augusta on April 20, 2020, citing her children’s hunger as the motive.

From there, O’Loughlin continued her tirade for free products in 2021.

The court heard the young mother attended a Spotlight on February 3 2021, filling up a trolley worth a total of $532, before her co-accused drove off without paying.

The trolley included bedding, cushions and a clock.

On April 13, O’Loughlin stole a $149 floor rug from Bunnings in Noarlunga Centre.
As staff confronted her, the court heard O’Loughlin screamed “You can’t touch me”.

Raquel O'Loughlin pleaded guilty to stealing across the state. Picture: Facebook

“You admitted to this offending and blamed it on Serepax,” Magistrate Teresa Anderson said.

Again, on June 30, O’Loughlin attended Aldi at Clovelly Park with her partner where they “loaded up” a number of trolleys with groceries, while another co-accused made sure the door was open as they left the premises without paying.

“You had your children with you at the time, that makes the offending more serious as you are demonstrating to them dishonest offending,” Magistrate Anderson said.

“You once again said it was because of a lack of money … if you do not have money that does not make it okay to steal.

“It represents that when you need to, you can simply take things … it is not appropriate behaviour.”

Finally, on July 8, O’Loughlin entered another On The Run, this time in Reynella, and stole a phone charger and a butter.

O’Loughlin’s defence counsel told the court her client had been taking medication for her insomnia for 12-months.

“The defendant has struggled with parenthood,” the lawyer said.

“Her partner took two years off work because she was struggling so much … things have settled down since relocating to Adelaide.

“A lot of her files relate to having a co-accused present, she’s either been encouraged or has participated actively in these offences.”

Magistrate Anderson told the court that despite “being under the influence” at the time of her offending, she still actively participated.

“They are taking items for a house … to set themselves up.” Magistrate Anderson said.

“I won’t accept that.”

O’Loughlin was sentenced to three months jail, suspended on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

She was also fined $100.