Marion Kay sentenced for stealing from Gladstone pharmacy, chemist

A Central Queensland mum who stole from retail stores while on an extended suspended jail sentence for the same sort of offending was told to “pay attention” during her latest court appearance.

Marion Lee Kay, 25, was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court for stealing offences. Generic image.

A Central Queensland mother and serial thief has been sentenced for her latest stealing spree, but not before drawing a rebuke from a Magistrate over her lack of attentiveness in court.

Marion Lee Kay, 25, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to three counts of stealing.

The court heard Kay, an unemployed single mum of three with a six-page criminal history, committed these latest thefts while on an extended suspended sentence for similar offending.

In relation to the latest offences, the court heard Kay stole $287.95 of items including perfume, skincare and haircare products, and a wallet, from a Gladstone pharmacy, a chemist and a surf shop in July and November.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Jessica McLaren submitted Kay’s suspended sentence could be activated.

Marion Lee Kay, 25, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to three counts of stealing.

Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Kay could be given immediate parole as she had experienced a “very poor childhood” and in recent times had been homeless.

The solicitor said Kay had engaged in a drug course as well as counselling, and she had stolen the items “to pay for food”.

During sentencing Magistrate Mary Buchanan noted Kay’s poor history of committing stealing offences, and at one stage said to her: “Can you pay attention.”

Ms Buchanan activated the suspended sentence and sentenced Kay to two months’ jail with immediate parole.

Ms Buchanan told Kay she would be on parole for four months, and ordered she pay $287.95 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.