Robert Milzewski pleads guilty to stealing from Gladstone pet shop

The power of social media helped a Gladstone region business bring a “chatty” thief to justice.

Farmyard & Pet Supplies, Calliope.

A thief who made “small talk” with a Gladstone region shopkeeper before leaving with a $300 item in his pocket, has been brought to justice.

Robert Stan Milzewski, 55, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on March 6 to stealing.

Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach said that on the afternoon of January 6, Milzewski attended Farmyard & Pet Supplies on the Dawson Highway at Calliope.

Ms Leach said Milzewski walked through the store and picked up a Jungle Linerlock Knife worth $300 and put it in his pocket.

The prosecutor said Milzewski remained in the store and made “small talk” with the store keeper, before leaving without making any attempt to pay.

Later in the day, the business reviewed its CCTV cameras and the theft was seen, Ms Leach said.

Ms Leach said the business posted Milzewski’s image on social media and the court heard he subsequently attended Gladstone Police Station where he was charged.

The court heard Milzewski had a three-page criminal history.

Solicitor Jun Pepito said Milzewski was a father of five adult children who was on medication for depression.

Mr Pepito said Milzewski had co-operated with the administration of justice.

Acting Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined Milzewski $500 and ordered he pay $300 restitution.

A conviction was recorded.