Catherine Anne Hammond: Woman in Warwick court after stealing from Priceline, being busted with drugs

A bizarre theft attempt quickly went from bad to worse for a Warwick woman after the strange act landed her and her secret drug stash right in the watch-house. FULL DETAILS HERE.

A Warwick woman who was caught trying to smuggle jewellery out of a store by stashing the items up her dress landed in even more strife when the theft uncovered her stash of dangerous drugs.

Catherine Anne Hammond was spotted entering Priceline pharmacy in Rose City Shoppingworld at about 2.45pm on January 21, where she browsed the aisles before selecting two packs of earrings worth $15.95 in total.

Police prosecutor Steve de Lissa told Warwick Magistrates Court that Hammond deliberately moved out of the view of staff members and stowed the jewellery “between her legs” beneath her dress, then left the store without paying for them.

It was not long before officers caught up with the 44-year-old, and it was only an hour later as she was being processed at the Warwick watch-house that Hammond again ran into trouble.

Sergeant de Lissa said police were searching the woman when they located 0.3g of marijuana wrapped in aluminium foil, another 0.3g in a clip seal bag, and 1.2g of amphetamines in a container all hidden on her person.

Duty lawyer Phillip Crook said his client had endured extensive childhood trauma and now suffered from rickets, with Hammond using marijuana to relieve the chronic pain.

“I have now suggested she approach her GP about medicinal marijuana and go from there,” he said.

Hammond pleaded guilty to one count each of possessing dangerous drugs and unauthorised dealing with shop goods.

She was fined $350 and ordered to pay full restitution.