Ethan Leslie William Macey pleads guilty to stealing, public nuisance
A Redland charity volunteer fronted court for the first time after stealing prescription medication and causing chaos in the pharmacy when denied service during his fifth attempt.
Redlands Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Redlands Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A young Redland charity volunteer has fronted court for the first time after causing an uncomfortable scene and upsetting patrons at a local chemist he had stolen prescription medicine from four times prior.
Ethan Leslie William Macey, 26, pleaded guilty to four counts of unauthorised dealing with shop goods (maximum $150) and one count of committing public nuisance before Cleveland Magistrates Court on April 30 2024.
The court heard Macey stole prescription antibiotics from PharmaSave Cleveland Day & Night Pharmacy during four isolated incidents in June 2023, December 2023 and February 2024.
Police Prosecutor Daniel Agresta said Macey presented a prescription for Cephalexin, completed the order then left without paying.
“On April 9 2024 the defendant took up with a male staff member who denied him service due to the four prior thefts,” Sgt Agresta said.
“He became irate and began to swear all around the pharmacy in front of children.
“He told the staff ‘F--k all you b-tches’ and put up the finger,” he said.
The court was told Macey upset several patrons.
Sgt Agresta said Macey told police he thought he had paid for the medicine (on the occasions he had stolen the goods).
“He told police his mother usually paid for his medication so this was a “new process”.
“It is concerning he continues to reoffend... He comes before the court with no criminal history,” he said.
Macey’s lawyer said he had never “been in trouble before”.
“He is humbled and embarrassed to be before the court today,” a lawyer said.
“This is completely out of character and simply did not have the money to pay for the medication,” he said.
Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan said Macey’s offending was out of character.
“I hope this has been resolved and you’re able to get the medication without having to commit a criminal offence ,” she said.
Macey was sentenced to a six month $650 good behaviour bond.
No conviction was recorded.
Push for swimming enclosure at Suttons Beach after near-drowning
With summer less than two weeks away, one family is calling for a beach enclosure to be built north of Brisbane after an NDIS provider refused a request for a lifejacket for their autistic son.
Toll road uncertainty looms over second M1 at Loganholme
Motorists are being kept in the dark about whether there will be tolls on a new planned state road at Loganholme linking the Coomera Connector to the Logan Motorway.