Tabitha Joyce Pershouse pleads guilty to stealing, receiving tainted property

A Bundaberg woman has faced more than 20 charges including receiving a stolen boat and trailer, fuel drive-offs and more in a two-month crime spree.

Tabitha Joyce Pershouse appeared via videolink in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court.

A young Bundaberg mother will remain behind bars after taking part in a crime spree across the region.

Tabitha Joyce Pershouse pleaded guilty to 22 charges including five counts of stealing, receiving tainted property and enter and commit indictable offence.

The 30-year-old appeared via videolink in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 6.

The court was told the mother had been a “substantial participant” in a crime “spree” between May 9 and late July last year, where she made several fuel drive-offs and received a stolen boat and trailer which was filmed on CCTV.

Prosecutor Leon Casey provided little detail about the charge which would become the head sentence for Pershouse before the court, in which she entered a dwelling and committed an indictable offence.

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Her co-accused are currently waiting to be seen before the courts on similar charges.

Jennifer Walden appeared for Pershouse and told the court due to losing her mother at the age of four and troubled childhood she struggled to align herself with positive crowds.

“She instructs she has no good friends,” Ms Walden told the court.

“She instructs she is easily led and obviously attracted to the crowd who have also engaged in criminal activity.”

Tabitha Joyce Pershouse appeared via videolink in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court.

Magistrate John McInnes echoed Ms Waldens words in the courthouse, though noted she had been a “substantial participant” in the offending which had landed her in custody on July 22, 2023.

“At times there were extensive efforts to cover her tracks, like towing a caravan to bushland, hiding in a van when it was being towed,” he said.

“Although, you were a willing participant in this spree of offending I doubt that you were the main driver of the offending.”

Additionally, while Mr Casey sought restitution on the stealing charges which he submitted were for minor amounts, Mr McInnes waived the restitution due to her inability to pay upon release.

Pershouse was given a head sentence of 24 months for enter and commit indictable offence charge, with further concurrent charges for the remaining offences.

Convictions were recorded and parole release date was set for February 21, 2023 with 199 days in pre-sentence custody declared time served.