Alyssa Maree Stockton pleads guilty to 23rd unlawful use offence

A magistrate said a young Queensland woman who had been busted in her 23rd stolen car, and had a criminal history nine pages long could hardly be ‘remorseful’ for her crimes as her solicitor suggested. See what happened to her

Alyssa Maree Stockton pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court to her 23rd car theft matter.

A magistrate had voiced his scepticism that a 20 year old Mackay car thief with a nine page criminal history was actually “sorry” after being busted in her 23rd stolen vehicle.

“She’s got a disgraceful history for someone so young,” Magistrate Damien Dwyer said.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Alyssa Maree Stockton and at least one other person had taken a hire car from Cairns failing to return it by the due date and it ended up in Farleigh where she stole petrol from a service station.

The court heard she was then caught driving around in a second stolen car acquired by one of her friends – she drove it around the Farleigh area.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Hannah Beaumont pushed for jail with actual time behind bars given her history of life offending.

Stockton pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing.

Defence solicitor Daniel Lane, of ATSILS, said his client had a “ highly prejudicial upbringing” and had indicated she was “remorseful” for her conduct.

At this point Mr Dwyer said, “What do you mean she’s remorseful?

“Is she more remorseful this time than the 21 times previously?

“Or is she remorseful because she got caught again?

Alyssa Maree Stockton pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court to 14 charges and was told she is not welcome in Mackay.

“Saying she’s sorry she pinched a car for the 23rd time.”

Mr Lane said Stockton was exposed to meth use and domestic violence from a young age, and as a result developed her own substance abuse issues at age 12 with ice and marijuana.

Mr Dwyer accepted it was an early and timely plea of guilty.

“There’s not much else that can be said for you,” he said.

“You are 20 years of age you have an absolutely atrocious history including 21 previous unlawful use of motor vehicles, many many many offences of dishonesty and traffic offences.

“Your history … is nine pages long.

“You have been imprisoned on many occasions, you’ve had the opportunity of probation on two occasions.”

The court heard she’s previously breached probation at least twice and had also been an intensive corrections order.

“You are not a person of good character,” Mr Dwyer said, finding that a term of imprisonment was the only appropriate penalty.

Stockton was jailed for 18 months with parole eligibility on March 28, 2024.

Convictions were recorded.