Aimee Pearl Haynes: Warwick woman steals from charity, major retailers in theft spree

A Warwick mother of two who stole from a beloved community centre and several major retailers while unknowingly being watched by police and staff members has claimed her theft spree was driven by desperation.

A Warwick woman who stole from a well-loved charity and several major retailers in a flagrant theft spree has narrowly avoided a stint behind bars.

Aimee Pearl Haynes first targeted The Lighthouse Community Centre on Guy St on February 8, selecting clothing from a rack outside the store before going inside and choosing several items of jewellery.

Police prosecutor Andrew Grafton told Warwick Magistrates Court that staff members asked Haynes whether she was planning to pay for the goods, to which she replied she “was just going to have another look outside first”.

“She selected a medium-sized carry bag, selected more clothing items and put them inside the bag, and she then left the store without making any attempt to pay for the items,” Sergeant Grafton said.

Haynes then made a beeline for Rose City Shoppingworld, ignoring her year-long ban from the shopping centre to head to Big W, where she picked up an air conditioner worth $99 and again walked away from the store without paying.

Sergeant Grafton said Big W staff called police to the scene to report the theft, at which point centre management started following Haynes and watched her pocket a $9.95 face mask in Priceline pharmacy.

The 32-year-old’s stealing spree soon came to an end in the neighbouring Coles store, where she was apprehended and taken into custody.

“(Haynes) arrived at the watch-house, and without being asked she pulled out a brass pipe from her handbag,” Sergeant Grafton said.

“She said, ‘This is all the drugs I have,’ and police could detect a strong smell of burnt (marijuana) from the brass pipe.”

The court heard the stolen air conditioner was returned to Big W almost immediately, meaning the only restitution owed was to Priceline for the face mask.

Haynes also failed to appear in the Warwick court on March 14.

Duty lawyer Phillip Crook said the mother of two’s theft from The Lighthouse Community Centre was driven by desperation, as she was out of both clothes and money after being kicked out of her home and needing her last funds for essential supplies.

“She’s heavily medicated for a broken back, PTSD, and she has anxiety. She gets very drowsy, which she says is why she missed a court date,” Mr Crook said.

“She’s received a further ban from the centre, she’s now on a three-year ban. Her situation, personally, is very bleak, but she’s pleaded guilty to all the charges here today.”

Haynes was sentenced to four months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months, by magistrate Virginia Sturgess, who told the Warwick woman her 19 previous convictions for dishonesty offences and another eight for skipping court dates did not weigh in her favour.

“Just because it’s a charity doesn’t mean you’re entitled to go and help yourself to all of their property because you’ve decided you’re in need,” Ms Sturgess said.

“You also have a significant history for drug misuse, and you also have some violent offending in your history.

“Your future looks pretty bleak, Ms Haynes, if you don’t take steps to sort out your issues. That includes drugs, that includes stealing, and making sure you come to court.”

Haynes pleaded guilty to three counts of stealing and one count each of possessing a drug utensil, trespassing, and failing to appear.

She was not ordered to pay restitution.