Mum uses pram as guise for shoplifting spree

A Sunshine Coast mum with twins on the way has been told by a magistrate she’ll be giving birth in jail if she continues down the same path.

Stevie Young pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

A mum with twins on the way has been told by a magistrate she'll be giving birth in jail if she continues down the same path.

Stevie Louise Young pleaded guilty to stealing in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Police prosecutor Stu Lydford told the court police were patrolling Sunshine Plaza on March 25 at 1pm when they were called to Myer for a suspected shoplifting.
"The defendant was pushing a pram with a child," he said.

The court heard Young had selected a pair of Tommy Hilfiger pants and put them on top of the pram before covering them with the baby's blanket.

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Young then exited the store without making payment.

"Police asked if she had any other property in her possession, she said no," Sergeant Lydford said.

The court heard a search of the pram found a pouch at the back with some wallets, greeting cards, pencils, soft toys and Kmart clothing.

"She was asked about the property and she replied that she bought it last week from stores in the Plaza," Sgt Lydford said.

"When asked why she was carrying it around, she didn't reply."

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The court heard after police made enquiries with the stores, they found the other items had also been stolen.

Sgt Lydford told the court Young had a four-page criminal history of similar offending.

Lawyer Luke Bull told the court Young had been taking some positive steps to improve herself.

"She's had a three year gap in her criminal history so she's doing better," he said.

The court heard Young had two children and had twins on the way.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist said she was on a fast path to jail if she continued her offending.

"There's been a lot of babies born in Brisbane women's," he said.

"I'm fully aware of that," she replied.

He sentenced her to six months imprisonment, wholly suspended for one year.

"Any offence you commit in the next six months, with your history will see a court activate that six months," Mr Stjernqvist said.

"So stay on track."

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