Regina Caroline Lawton in court for stealing food from IGA

A repeat shoplifter and mum-of-four was once again convicted of stealing groceries with a magistrate declaring her stealing was getting worse and “always from small grocery stores”.

Regina Caroline Lawton, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of stealing after twice being convicted.

A repeat shoplifter and mother-of-four was convicted of stealing, ordered to pay restitution and to carry out 40 hours community service after pleading guilty in Murgon Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Regina Caroline Lawton, 42, committed the offence in Charleville at the Supa IGA supermarket.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens said that on January 10, 2024 at about 6.30pm, CCTV footage showed Lawton enter the Supa IGA.

“It shows the defendant walking through the aisles, she then proceeded to pay for two items … and exited with goods valued at $80,” Sergeant Stevens said.

The court heard police were called the next morning and spoke to Lawton before taking her to the watch house.

“She declined to be interviewed but she did say she didn’t have any money to pay for her goods,” Sgt Stevens said.

The court heard Lawton had 24 previous entries on her criminal history and was last convicted in March 2023.

“Through her history she has exposed herself,” Sgt Stevens said.

He said despite the low amount she stole he recommended a prison term wholly suspended due to the frequent nature of her offending.

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Regina Caroline Lawton, 42, speaking to her lawyer Babu Singe.

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Lawton’s lawyer Babu Singe said she had four primary school aged children and traveled between Wondai and Charleville to take care of her husband who was battling Stage Four cancer.

“There is always that mercifulness of one last chance with a fine and I ask that she be given that opportunity,” Mr Singe said.

The court heard Lawton currently owed between $2000 and $3000 in unpaid fines.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair accepted her early plea but said her offending had become worse.

“You do have quite a bit of history … your stealing has doubled or tripled in the last six or 12 months around here and it’s always from small grocery stores,” Mr Sinclair said.

He sentenced Lawton to 40 hours of community service and she was ordered to pay $80 in restitution.

Convictions were recorded.