Tristan Mitchell: Ipswich employee stole from McDonald’s Augustine Heights

Unable to afford his rent, a young Ipswich McDonald’s employee cooked up a scheme to take his workplace for a ride.

A young Ipswich employee of a popular McDonald’s restaurant fleeced him employer of more than $6000 because he couldn’t afford his rent, a court has heard.

There were so many such unusual transactions when Springfield Lakes man Tristan Levi Mitchell, 21, was on shift that it caused a suspicious manager to review what was going on and to uncover his blatant dishonesty.

Mitchell pleaded guilty in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday to a charge of stealing as a servant of McDonald’s Augustine Heights between September 1, 2020, and April 9 this year.

Prosecutor Sergeant Trent Voigt said Mitchell stole a total of $6,168.70.

McDonald’s business ledgers and CCTV were provided to the investigating detectives as evidence.

Sgt Voigt said the manager told police of the large number of transactions keyed in as being e-vouchers (gift vouchers) and that the number was regarded as being quite unusual.

“They were done on the days he (Mitchell) was working. CCTV showed him putting e-codes into the system for customers who paid in cash,” Sgt Voigt said.

Springfield Lakes man Tristan Levi Mitchell, 21. Picture: Alex Treacy

“He later removed the cash and placed it in his pocket or sometimes took away the cash drawer to another room.”

Sgt Voigt outlined the dozens of transactions that took place on a monthly basis that included 202 during October 2020 involving $995; 207 in November worth $1237.30; 85 transactions in January worth $425; and 202 transactions in March costing $1091.

Sgt Voigt said Mitchell had a meeting with his manager in April and agreed to pay back the money.

On May 31 police interviewed him about the offences and he was charged.

No restitution was sought by McDonalds as Mitchell had repaid the amount.

Sgt Voigt said Mitchell had no criminal history until this.

Defence lawyer Guy McEntyre said Mitchell began working part-time for McDonalds back in 2014 while a school student before going full-time after completing his schooling in 2016.

“My client is very remorseful for his actions,” Mr McEntyre said.

“He instructs he is one of six siblings and was required to leave the family home as there was simply nowhere for him to stay with the birth of a new baby.

“He went to rent with a friend. His income was not sufficient to meet his day-to-day costs.

“There were no drugs or alcohol involved.”

Mr McEntyre said Mitchell had been very cooperative with police and paid restitution.

Magistrate Dennis Kinsella said what was concerning were the large number of such transactions

He warned Mitchell that Court of Appeal cases made it very clear that offenders who, even if having paid back the proceeds, “can’t buy yourself out of the appropriate outcome”.

Mr Kinsella said Mitchell was youthful first-time offender who made an early plea.

“The court and community accept that young people can make bad calls of judgment,” he said.

“References state that his offending is very much out of character.”

However, Mr Kinsella said the offending was persistent with no fewer than 1269 transactions.

“You clearly knew what you were doing was wrong, and that you knew you would be caught,” he said.

Mitchell was convicted and sentenced to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months.

“You must behave yourself. No stupid activities, Mr Kinsella said.

“You have got to be the best-behaved citizen for the next 12 months.

“What a gift you have been given. Use this as a life lesson.”