Wellington Point dad with history of serial theft offences avoids jail with ‘last chance’ from magistrate

A father of five who stole from numerous businesses despite six years of attempts by courts to rehabilitate him, has been given one last chance at freedom.

A father of five has been given a “last chance” to stay out of jail due to his admirable performance on probation, after copping to a raft of stealing charges.

Appearing at the Cleveland Magistrates Court today, Clinton Luke Lorenzo Fiteni, 37, pleaded guilty to five stealing charges, multiple fare evasion charges, one count of using a carriage service to menace, harass and or cause offence, numerous drug charges and a charge of trespass.

The court heard Fiteni, who defence solicitor Bruce Johnstone said was diagnosed with schizophrenia and a delusional disorder, stole from numerous Redland City businesses over a period of months.

Described as “unsophisticated and petty thefts” the Wellington Point man variously stole from Coles Capalaba, First Choice Liquor Market Capalaba and FoodWorks Alexandra Hills.

Of particular concern to Magistrate Barry Barrett was a phone call Fiteni made supposedly to a person unknown to the defendant, during which he demanded money.

Clinton Fiteni was granted one "last chance" to avoid jail. Picture: Facebook

Mr Johnstone said the incident was reflective of his client’s mental health, while a police prosecutor said there was evidence Fiteni was “familiar” with his victim.

No money was extracted from the exchange.

Given “opportunity after opportunity” over six years for similar offending, the prosecution called for six months’ “actual jail time”.

Mr Johnstone said his client was on a disability pension while his children were under the care of their grandparents.

The court heard Fiteni had previously been sentenced to a suspended jail sentence for similar offending and had performed admirably on his latest bout of probation, since which he had not reoffended.

Magistrate Barrett acknowledged the man’s lack of offending since being placed on his latest probation and said removing him from the community “even for a short period” would destroy his support network.

Fiteni was sentenced to three months’ jail with an immediate release on a 12-month reconnaissance period and a $500 good behaviour bond.

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He was further sentenced to six months’ prison wholly suspended over 18 months and placed on 12 months’ probation.

Fiteni was also fined $750 and ordered to pay $195 in compensation to the targeted businesses.