Melissa Leigh James: Inala woman goes on alcohol, shoe-stealing spree

A serial shoplifter — who’s been breaking the law since 1999 — has been jailed after going on an alcohol and shoe-stealing spree just one month after getting off parole.

An Inala woman has been sentenced to prison for her latest stealing spree at Westfield Garden City.

Melissa Leigh James, 40, pleaded guilty in Richlands Magistrate Court on Wednesday to two counts of stealing.

The court heard James had a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1999.

On November 27 last year she stole two pairs of sandals, worth about $30 each and three pairs of boots worth $90 each, from Famous Footwear.

She then went to Liquorland and stole two, $68 bottles of bourbon and a $100 bottle of rose.

James’ lawyer said her client was under the influence of drugs at the time but was remorseful, describing it as a “slip up”.

Magistrate Aaron Simpson wasn’t buying it, however.

“She has been committing offences since 1999,” he said.

“For years, she has been doing the same thing.

“She’s 40 (years old) and she’s still stealing things from shops.

“A month after getting off parole, she went and did the same thing.”

He sentenced James to six months’ imprisonment.

Mr Simpson said she would be released after serving one third of the sentence, on June 20.

James was also ordered to pay back half of the $172 in stolen shoes and the full amount of the stolen alcohol.

“I don’t think you’ll change,” Magistrate Simpson said.

“The best I can do today is protect the public from your hands and from you stealing things by locking you up.

“I think that is the only appropriate outcome for today.”