Charity theft grab

A GYMPIE mother and daughter who stole a huge number of items from outside a charity had their five finger discount catch up with them in a Gympie court.

A GYMPIE mother and daughter who stole a huge number of items from outside a charity had their five finger discount catch up with them yesterday in Gympie Magistrates Court.

Jennifer Annette Davidson, 43, and her daughter Tabayah Mounchy Davidson, 20, received heavy fines when they each pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing.

The court heard the women arrived at St Vincent De Paul just after dark on August 23.

CCTV footage showed the pair search through donated items and load the car with coffee tables, a DVD player, bags of clothing, a toilet training seat, a skateboard, toys and crockery, before driving away.

On October 5, the mother and daughter returned with a third person and the three of them were caught on camera loading toys, a scooter, a mirror, clothing, linen, kitchen items and a small dining table into the car.

Upon discovery by police, many items were returned to the charity, but Tabaya told the court she could not return the toys her son had become attached to.

Magistrate B. Barrett said both women were equally liable for the theft, but their varying criminal histories meant varying sentences.

Jennifer was fined $800, her daughter was fined $500 and each was ordered to pay $398 in restitution.