Nicole Ellen Millard pleads guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to theft after borrowing elderly friend’s phone

A Wallumbilla man was left scratching his head after he was left without his bank card and driver’s licence after a close family friend borrowed his phone. Here’s what happened.

A Roma woman fronted court for stealing an elderly family friend’s mobile phone, Westpac bank card and driver’s licence the day before she was due to help the victim make a Centrelink application.

Nicole Ellen Millard, 39, pleaded guilty in Roma Magistrates Court to one count of theft.

Despite pleading guilty, the court was told Millard borrowed the 64-year-old victim’s phone to make a call and intended to return it the next day.

“She had intended to return the phone, but by the time she finished the call it was 1 o’clock in the morning and there were some large dogs in the yard,” Millard’s lawyer said.

“My client was not aware that the drivers licence and cards were in the phone case as well.

“I’m told everything (phone, cards and licence) was returned on the following day.”

The victim, who has known the defendant since she was a child and regards her as his niece, is said to have looked out for Millard who has struggled financially throughout her life and has experienced bouts of homelessness.

Magistrate Shane Elliott said it was concerning this was the second time this year the defendant had come before the courts for dishonesty offences.

“She’s taken advantage of someone she knows,” Mr Elliott said.

“I’m not saying it’s great conduct, but she returned it the next day.

“A 64-year-old gentleman who you had known for many years and he treated you like family - it’s a breach of trust.”

The magistrate handed Millard a $500 fine and a conviction was recorded.