Kristen Jade Mantei in court for fraud

The 40-year-old woman used the bank card of a Bundaberg Base Hospital worker.

A woman’s appetite for soft drinks and smokes landed her in court after she stole a bank card to spend at a newsagency.

Kristen Jade Mantei, 40, pleaded guilty in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Monday to fraud and receiving tainted property.

The court heard that about 3.40pm on January 24, a bank card was stolen from the bag of a Bundaberg Base Hospital worker.

An hour later, CCTV footage at Chippindall’s Newsagency captured Mantei using the card to buy two soft drinks and tobacco, totalling $61.60.

Police prosecutor Grant Klaassen said Mantei told police she was given the card to use by someone else.

He noted Mantei had a history of similar offences, including stealing in February 2021.

The court heard Mantei has been on a disability support pension for ADHD since 1999, and was the sole carer of three children.

Mantei’s lawyer said her partner was incarcerated and she saw a psychiatrist for depression and ADHD.

Magistrate Trinity McGarvie warned Mantei that her punishment would be more severe if she continued her “dishonest” offending.

“People, when they’re at work, shouldn’t have to be worried to lose their credit card or lose their items,” Ms McGarvie said.

“People who work at the hospital play a very necessary role in the community.

“Your behaviour was dishonest and needs to be condemned.”

Mantei was fined $650, referred to SPER and a conviction was recorded.