Debra Mitchell stole more than $5k from Kewpie Stockfeeds, Monto

A woman who stole more than $5k from her Central Queensland employer while working as a clerk has faced court to get her punishment.

A woman has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $5000 from Kewpie Stockfeeds, Monto, while working as a clerk. Generic image.

A clerk at a Central Queensland stockfeed business committed 12 crimes to steal more than $5000 from her employer.

Debra Jean Mitchell, 61, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on December 7 to 12 counts of stealing as a servant.

The court heard that between May 12, 2021, and March 29, 2022, Mitchell stole a total of $5033.63 from her employer, Kewpie Stockfeeds, Monto, while working as a clerk.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Carl Spargo did not read any facts in court and instead, with consent from Mitchell’s lawyer, handed up documents to Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale.

Sgt Spargo said Mitchell had no criminal history and in this matter, the prosecution sought $5033.63 restitution.

Mitchell, who was in court and represented by a lawyer appearing via telephone link, requested a handwritten letter signed by herself be tendered to the court, and that was accepted.

At that point, Ms Beckinsale noted that while Mitchell was being arraigned, her distress and remorse “was obvious”.

“That’s evident as well in the words she’s written,” Ms Beckinsale added.

Mitchell’s lawyer relied on a written submission which was viewed by Ms Beckinsale.

Before handing down penalty, Ms Beckinsale said: “It is sad. Sad for you, sad for anyone to see someone of your years and your standing in the community (in court).

“Your referees speak highly of you.

“You’ve been a mum and a worker and someone that always contributes in the community.

“And unfortunately things have all come together at a point in your life where you’ve had access to money in this way, coupled with the stresses that you were feeling and this addiction as it has been described.

“I accept that you’re remorseful in the words you’ve written, the way you present, and your early plea, and your ability and willingness to repay the restitution within a seven day period.

“You haven’t done anything like this before (no criminal history).”

Ms Beckinsale noted that Mitchell had resigned from the job.

The magistrate placed Mitchell on 12 months’ probation with conditions and ordered she pay $5033.63 restitution within seven days.

No conviction was recorded.