Five month stealing spree targeted shops at Westfield Chermside
A Redcliffe woman has been given a suspended prison sentence for stealing clothes, cosmetics and accessories while heavily intoxicated.
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A serial shoplifter from Scarborough who targeted several stores at Westfield Chermside drank “about a bottle and a half of vodka every day”, the Sandgate Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday.
Hayley Jane Stringer, 27, pleaded guilty to nine charges including five counts of stealing and two counts of fraud.
According to police prosecutor Chelsea Ham, Stringer’s stealing spree spanned from July 21 to December 10 of 2020.
During that time she stole clothes, cosmetics and accessories from a number of Chermside stores including Oscar Wylee, Coles, Kmart and Rebel Sport.
Loss prevention officers foiled each of her attempts and in all cases the stock was recovered in saleable condition.
Lawyer Andrew Stewart of Stewart Burr and Myr Lawyers told the court Stringer’s “fairly unsophisticated offences” were a result of her heavy drinking.
The drinking was a new development, Mr Stewart said, noting Stringer’s lengthy criminal history had once been born of a debilitating methamphetamine addiction.
The court heard addiction took the life of Stringer’s long term partner, who tragically died in her arms of an overdose earlier that year.
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Magistrate Jennifer Batts acknowledged the steps Stringer had since taken to fight her demons, having joined a suboxone program and undergone grief counselling.
Stringer was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, wholly suspended for an operational period of 18 months, and placed on a probation order for 18 months.
Convictions were recorded.
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