$450 worth of toys and other items stolen to fund child‘s birthday party

A Brisbane receptionist low on money, has faced court north of Brisbane, charged with stealing toys to make sure her child had a good birthday.

A Brisbane mother desperate to have birthday presents for her three-year-old kid, stole toys from a Kmart north of Brisbane.

Thirty-seven-year-old Nikki Hilary Dettmer faced Redcliffe Magistrate Court on August 29, charged with stealing and unauthorised dealing with shop goods.

The court heard on August 14, 2022, Dettmer stole $356.75 worth of toys from Kmart at the Peninsula Fair Shopping Centre in Kippa-Ring and also stole $97.94 worth of products from Coles at the same shopping centre.

Police prosecutor Tim Clare said Dettmer paid for a few items but couldn’t produce a receipt covering all the items in her possession.

Dettmer’s lawyer Mary D’Souza said the mother of six was low on money and wanted to make sure her three-year-old had presents for their birthday.

Ms D’Souza said Dettmer had completed Year 10, an apprenticeship in childcare and aged care and was currently working as a receptionist.

Nikki Hilary Dettmer leaving the Redcliffe Magistrate Court after her appearance for stealing toys from Kmart so her child could have birthday presents.

Magistrate Paul Byrne said a three year-old would’ve been happy with a cupcake, balloon and token present for their birthday.

“There was no need to go get $350 worth of toys,” Mr Byrne said.

“A nine-year-old’s gonna know what happened.

“A three-year-old, just anything token.”

Dettmer was sentenced to a 12 month- good behaviour on $750 recognisance.

No conviction was recorded.