Rayma Elizabeth Sweetman’s fingerprints found in stolen car

A young mother previously convicted for joy riding and stealing a man’s pokie winnings was back in court for being in another stolen car and carrying a taser.

Rayma Elizabeth Sweetman, 25, pleaded guilty on February 3 in Rockhampton Magistrates Court to one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one of possessing a weapon, two of possessing drug pipes and one of possessing electronic scales.

A young mother previously convicted for a joy ride in a stolen car and stealing a man’s pokie winnings, was back in court for being in another stolen car and carrying a taser and used methamphetamines pipe.

Rayma Elizabeth Sweetman, 25, pleaded guilty on February 3 in Rockhampton Magistrates Court to one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, one of possessing a weapon, two of possessing drug pipes and one of possessing electronic scales.

Police prosecutor Mirren Smith said the VW was stolen from a Rockhampton residence on March 13 and it was located three days later with Sweetman’s fingerprints inside the rear driver’s side door.

She said Sweetman told the police she knew the car was stolen.

Ms Smith said Sweetman was found in possession of a taser, used meth glass pipe, scales and a clip seal bag when she ran from police on September 12, 2022, after spotting them at Bartlett’s Tavern.

She said Sweetman claimed she had the taser as protection from her partner.

A month later, Sweetman was a passenger in a car intercepted by police and she again had a used meth pipe in her possession.

Sweetman, the mother of a young child, has a three-page criminal record was on parole at the time of the drugs and weapons offences, the court heard.

The court heard she had been sentenced in Rockhampton District Court in April 2022 for unlawful use of a motor vehicle, theft and stealing fuel.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady said Sweetman started using drugs when she was 16 and had now engaged with Lives Lived Well.

She said Sweetman was diagnosed with depression and personality disorder but was not medicated and had been making some “poor choices” which made her frustrated with herself.

Magistrate Cameron Press warned Sweetman she would spend time in actual custody next time she came to court for being in stolen cars.

He placed her on a two-year probation order and convictions were recorded.