Ashley Louise Weeding sentenced for Kmart, Big W thefts

A Rockhampton mother-of-three has been given a jail warning after she brazenly stole hundreds of dollars worth of items from Kmart and Big W stores.

A Rockhampton woman has been sentenced for thefts from Kmart and Big W stores.

A Rockhampton mum has been warned she could be looking at jail time if she continues committing stealing offences.

Ashley Louise Weeding, 36, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday to three counts of stealing.

The court heard on May 16, Weeding entered a Rockhampton Kmart store and stole a vacuum cleaner.

Then on May 22, she went into a Big W store and stole two pairs of track pants.

The third offence happened on June 5 when Weeding again stole from Kmart - this time taking numerous items including a blanket, jewellery box, books and a water bottle.

The court heard in total, Weeding stole $330 worth of items and the prosecution sought restitution for that.

The court was told Weeding had a two-page criminal history which included previous offending of this sort.

A Kmart store.

“She was given probation only in January for like offending,” police prosecutor Senior Constable Sarah Rowe said.

Solicitor Samantha Legrady said Weeding was a full-time mother of three young children, who conceded she had made “very poor choices”.

“She understands that she could be looking at jail time in relation to stealing offences if she comes back before the court,” Ms Legrady said.

“She doesn’t want to come back before the court at all.”

Prior to imposing penalty, Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale told Weeding “your behaviour (stealing) has got to stop”.

Ms Beckinsale placed Weeding on six months’ probation and ordered she pay $330 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.