Retail worker uses lost card, blames victim for loss

A retail worker who used a stolen Eftpos card to make purchases said it was the victim’s fault in the first place for losing her wallet.

Grand Central retail worker Tempany Pearce (photo: Social media).

A Grand Central retail worker who used a lost Eftpos card to make purchases has tried to blame the victim's fault in the first place for losing their wallet.

CCTV linked two fraudulent purchases from December 6, to Gatton woman Tempany Pearce, who works at Stencilled at Grand Central.

Pearce, 20, from Gatton, appeared in Gatton Magistrates Court on February 1, where police prosecutor sergeant Al Windsor told the court the defendant spent $73 of the victim's money.

Sergeant Windsor said about 1.45pm, the victim recalled placing her wallet in her bag and visiting more stories, but about 2pm, was unable to find her wallet.

Calls to the bank revealed the card had been used at Woolworths and Kmart at Grand Central.

CCTV footage at Woolworths and Kmart helped identify the fraudulent purchases, with police able to track Pearce through the shopping centre and to her car in the carpark.

When Pearce fronted the Gatton police station on January 17, she said a member of the public had picked up the victim's wallet and handed it to her while she was working.

Grand Central, Margaret Street. Toowoomba CBD. Toowoomba Margaret St , Ruthven Street. Toowoomba.

 

"The defendant had finished work and planned to take it to centre management," sergeant Windsor said.

Instead, Pearce spent $46.35 at Woolworths, and another $26.65 at Kmart Grand Central.

"She has then walked to her car and left the wallet on a concrete ledge before driving from the location," sergeant Windsor said.

"She stated to police she knew it was wrong to have acted in such a fashion … and that it was the victim's fault for losing her wallet in the first place."

Duty lawyer James Ryan represented Pearce in court and said Pearce was a retail assistant with one child.

"It was spur of the moment and out of character," Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan told the court that Pearce attended school until Year 10 and worked in a packing shed before falling pregnant.

She has since completed certificates in administration and a diploma in legal services.

Pearce pleaded guilty to one charge of stealing and two charges of fraud.

Magistrate Damien Carroll's first reaction to Pearce's offences was "gee whiz".

"You're jolly lucky to keep your job. Dishonesty can sometimes be a disqualifying reason for losing your job," he said.

"I hope this never happens to you again for your sake."

Pearce was fined $750 for the three charges within three months or complete 38 hours of community service.

She was ordered to pay restitution of $73 within one month.

A conviction was not recorded.

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