Bunnings bandit: Truth comes out as fraudster sentenced

She posed as other people to get what she wanted. Now, it’s caught up with her.

Beaudine Johnson appeared in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court on a string of charges.

A Hervey Bay woman, who posed as other people, has fronted Hervey Bay Magistrates Court.

Beaudine Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud, impersonation, receiving tainted goods, and six counts of breach of bail.

Police Prosecutor Sonia Edwards said on December 13 2019, Johnson posed as the owner of a red iPhone and used the mobile to order a new phone to the value $762, with the real iPhone owner unknowingly paying the bill.

Sen Const Edwards said Johnson also posed as a construction company and fraudulently purchased tools from Bunnings at a cost of $1822 from 26 June to July 29, 2020.

For the receiving tainted goods charge and the second fraud charge, Johnson knowingly pawned a stolen engagement ring at Hervey Bay’s Cash Converters for $150.

Defence lawyer Hamish Isles said Johnson had made significant steps towards rehabilitation since her reoffending.

He said his client had the support of a psychiatrist and she had made genuine attempts to move away from bad influences in her life.

“My ultimate submission is one that allows Johnson to continue with the efforts she’s made,” Mr Isles said.

Magistrate Stephen Guttridge opted take a rehabilitative approach when sentencing and told Johnson it was up to her to keep out of trouble.

Magistrate Guttridge imposed a head sentence of six months imprisonment, wholly suspended with an operational period of three years.

Johnson was also fined a total of $1500.