Amye Katherine Ackland steals cash in Suburban Bowls Club pokies

A 22-year-old thief told police she had no recollection of the incident, despite CCTV catching her in the act of preying on a fellow patron and swindling him out of hundreds of dollars.

Amye Katherine Ackland stole a pokies money card and cashed it out, all while her victim was taking a smoke outside. Photo: Contributed

A young woman who cashed out another person’s pokies card while they took a smoke break was busted when CCTV caught her in the act.

Amye Katherine Ackland was at Souths Suburban Bowls Club when she stole and cashed out the money card on June 7, 2022, but trouble continued after police finally caught up to her.

When she was arrested on December 18 for another matter, police found a glass meth pipe in her bag, which she admitted using earlier that day.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty in Mackay Magistrates Court to both possessing drug utensils and stealing.

Police prosecutor Ruth Whisker said Ackland was playing pokies about 3.30pm when she saw her opportunity.

“The victim had reserved his machine, left his money card in the machine and stepped away to have a cigarette

“While the victim was away, (Ackland) took the victim’s money card and cashed it out, collecting $300.

“The defendant’s left the bowls club with the money in hand.

“A review of the CCTV footage showed the defendant and she was identified by staff.”

Ms Whisker said during an interview with police, Ackland said she did not remember the incident.

Defence lawyer David Sellentin said Ackland lost her previous delivery job when she lost her licence, but completed study in real estate and planned to move to Brisbane for work.

Magistrate Damien Dwyer said he accepted stealing the money card was “opportunistic” and impulsive.

Ackland was fined $950, and ordered to pay $300 restitution to her victim and attend drug diversion.