Belinda Jane Kelly, 42, pleads guilty in Gatton Magistrates Court to unlawful dealing with shop goods

A woman’s petty theft spree ended with a Gatton magistrate giving a stark warning that the woman could face time in jail if she reoffends.

A 42-year-old woman was given a stern warning about her stealing habits when she was sentenced before Gatton Magistrates Court on April 1.

A mother of two received a stern talking to after her sticky fingers landed her back in court.

Belinda Jane Kelly pleaded guilty in Gatton Magistrates Court on April 1 to one count of unlawful dealing with shop goods.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Bridie O’Shea told the court Kelly had a significant history of stealing and similar offences and was on probation at the time of the offending.

The court was told Ms Kelly was stopped by Grand Central security officers after receiving a complaint from one of the centre’s stores about a woman allegedly stealing items.

When security officers searched the 42-year-old’s bags, they found a number of small jewellery and other items belonging to the store.

Kelly told officers the items belonged to her mother, yet was unable to provide a receipt for the items.

The items worth $135 were returned to the store with the court told Kelly offered to pay for them.

Defence solicitor Claire Graham told the court her client had suffered a marriage breakdown and had turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Ms Graham told the court her client was struggling with not having contact with her two children, as it was also leading up to Christmas at the time of the offending.

The court was also told Kelly was taking steps to overcome her addiction.

Taking into consideration her history of offending, magistrate Virginia Sturgess gave Kelly a stern warning about the temptation to continue taking items that don’t belong to her.

“You really need to keep your hands off other people's property,” Ms Sturgess said.

“This is a problem you’ve got to address.”

Ms Sturgess told Kelly while she would receive a fine, should she continue to reoffend she could face jail time.

She was fined $500 and a conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Belinda Jane Kelly, 42, pleads guilty in Gatton Magistrates Court to unlawful dealing with shop goods