Ainsley Elizabeth Watson sentenced for stealing from Woolworths Kin Kora

A serial thief who struck twice at a Central Queensland Woolworths store has had her sneaky tactics and shocking track record exposed.

Ainsley Elizabeth Watson, 49, has been sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court for stealing from Woolworths.

A serial thief who targeted the same Central Queensland Woolworths store twice in a matter of weeks, has had her shocking dishonesty record exposed.

Ainsley Elizabeth Watson, 49, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to two counts of stealing after previous conviction.

In relation to her latest offending, the court heard Watson struck at Woolworths Kin Kora twice.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said the first time, Watson and a co-offender stole $120 worth of groceries.

“(She) selected a quantity of groceries and goods from the shelves (and) placed them in a bag in her trolley,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“The defendants made payment for some items but not (for) those that were being concealed in the bag.”

Sgt Ongheen said during the offending, Watson had also acted as a “lookout” for the co-offender.

Gladstone Courthouse.

During the second offence at the same store weeks later, Watson and the same co-offender stole $60 worth of groceries.

Sgt Ongheen said the pair again placed stolen items in a bag in a trolley.

“They once again made payment for some items, but not (for) those concealed in the bag.”

Sgt Ongheen said Watson again acted as a “lookout” during the offending.

The court heard Watson’s criminal history included previous stealing offences in 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023, as well as fraud offending.

Solicitor Stephen White said Watson was a mother of four who had previously struggled with methamphetamine use.

“I’m instructed that (she) is clean from drugs now,” Mr White said.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined Watson $750 and ordered she pay $90 compensation.

Convictions were recorded.