Codie Leigh Burt, 20, faces Bundaberg court

An aspiring hairdresser felt bad when her friend’s blowtorch was stolen from her home. Her solution would leave her feeling even worse.

A young Bundaberg woman, who stole from a Bunnings in a bizarre attempt to make up for someone else’s crime, has fronted court.

Codie Leigh Burt, 20, pleaded guilty in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court to one count of unauthorised dealing of shop goods.

The court heard a blowtorch, which belonged to one of Burt’s friends, was stolen from her home.

Burt then entered Bunnings at Kensington and was caught on CCTV stealing a blowtorch worth $79.98 on March 19.

Defence lawyer Christabelle Stafford-Smith told the court Burt felt responsible for her friend’s blowtorch being stolen from her house, so she wanted to replace it.

Ms Stafford-Smith added Burt was very remorseful, and considered going into Bunnings prior to her court appearance to pay for the item.

The court heard Burt received youth allowance but had plans to re-enter a hairdressing apprenticeship she started in 2019.

She and her siblings lived with their grandad.

Acting Magistrate Silver told Burt he would use his discretion not to convict her because it would make it difficult for her to find a job.

“In your case, you don’t have any prior convictions for an offence of this type, and I take into account you’re still young, still trying to establish a career.”

Burt was fined $300, referred to SPER and was ordered to pay $79.98 to Bunnings at Kensington.

No conviction was recorded.