Thornlands dad James Phillip Hall vows to ‘change his ways’ after latest thefts in 10-year spree

More than $1000-worth of sunglasses and $400 in groceries: A bayside dad who has carried out a decade-long stealing spree says something has happened to change his ways.

James Phillip Hall outside Cleveland Magistrates Court.

A bayside man has narrowly escaped jail time after racking up several stealing charges.

But after having his first child four months ago, he said he had now changed his ways.

Thornlands resident, James Phillip Hall, 30, pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday, October 20, to seven charges, including several counts of theft, attempted theft, unlawful possession of stolen property and stealing after a previous conviction.

The court heard Hall and another woman attempted to leave a Victoria Point Woolworths with $400 worth of groceries on November 5 last year.

Ten days later, Hall and the same woman attempted to walk out of Sunglass Hut at Westfield Carindale with three pairs of glasses valued at $1010.

“While she’s (the woman accompanying him) speaking to the sales assistant you go to the back of the store and grab three pairs of glasses,” the police prosecutor said.

Then on November 22 Hall stole $135 worth of cosmetics from Chemist Warehouse in Indooroopilly, the court heard.

Later on that day Hall was caught lying next to a trolley full of items in a park.

“In that trolley (there was) stolen property including a $500 Breville appliance and pet products,” the police prosecutor said.

James Phillip Hall outside Cleveland court.

On November 26 he was caught with the same female companion attempting to steal items from Myer in Westfield Carindale.

“You were seen wandering through Myer rolling items up and putting them into a trolley bag,” the police prosecutor said.

“You’ve walked through to the Tommy Hilfiger section, she’s selecting clothes and giving it to you.

“They (Myer Staff and CCTV) are watching you the entire time you are doing this.”

Two further times at Woolworths in Chermside and South Brisbane in January this year Hall was caught attempting to steal groceries valued at $176 each.

His lawyer said Hall was ready to turn his life around.

“He has previously been addicted to drugs and was on drugs when he committed these offences,” she said.

“He would steal to fund his drug addiction.

“My client is remorseful for the offences.

“He has a daughter now and is really trying to turn his life around.”

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said Hall’s criminal history of 10 years was alarming.

“It’s a shocking, shocking history,” Ms Vasta said.

“He has being going to jail for many, many years now.

“When is he going to learn his lesson?”

Hall was convicted and ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

“The ball’s in your court now,” Ms Vasta said.