Rydges Mackay Suites clerk Michael John Devereux charged with stealing

A clerk at a popular hotel has been warned he could be facing jail time if convicted after he appeared in court charged with stealing. Find out where.

A North Mackay man has been warned he could face jail time after allegedly stealing from a popular Mackay hotel while working as a clerk.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Michael John Devereux was working at Rydges Mackay Suites when he allegedly swiped $800 on October 21, 2021.

The 31 year old was charged with stealing as a clerk and appeared in court on December 1.

The court heard Mr Devereux was intending on representing himself and entering his pleas, but Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan strongly advised he seek legal aid.

Ms Hartigan said Mr Devereux faced a “very, very serious charge”, which could result in him spending time behind bars if convicted.

She said the seriousness came from allegedly stealing while in his position of clerk, rather than the actual amount taken.

“You’re not going to get a fine for it, you’re probably not going to get a community based order,” Ms Hartigan said.

“This offence usually leads to imprisonment, the question is whether you will serve or not.”

The court heard Mr Devereux would seek Legal Aid and was expected to appear again in Mackay Magistrates Court in early January.