Gladstone woman pleads guilty to shoplifting charge after stealing hair product

The woman claimed to be 51 days sober after committing the shoplifting offence.

Vicky Lee Hudson appeared in the Gladstone Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with a shoplifting offence after stealing from Hairhouse Warehouse in Gladstone Central.

A Gladstone woman was emotional when she described to a magistrate how she was 51 days sober after committing a shoplifting offence.

Vicky Lee Hudson, 41, pleaded guilty in the Gladstone Magistrates Court on Tuesday to unauthorised dealing with shop goods.

On April 21, around 11.30am, Hudson entered Hair House Warehouse on Goondoon Street, Gladstone Central with a friend.

Hudson looked over the shelves and chose hair dye, which cost $4.98, before showing it to her friend and putting it in her bag.

Hudson then paid for another item at the counter then exited the store.

Police spoke to the manager of the business who supplied CCTV footage which depicted Hudson committing the offence.

On June 17, police attended Hudson’s home address and spoke to her regarding the offence, to which Hudson replied she could not remember stealing the hair dye.

Hudson admitted she was an alcoholic and at the time of the offence was probably drunk which may have been why she could not remember.

The defendant was issued a notice to appear in the Gladstone Magistrates Court.

A court heard Ms Hudson become emotional when offered the opportunity to explain her offending or personal circumstances.

“I have been sober for 51 days, your honour and cannot recall stealing the product and I’m ashamed of myself,” she said.

Acting Magistrate John Milburn convicted and fined Hudson $250. A conviction was recorded.