Colyton couple Leanne and Paul Davies plead guilty to stealing from Bunnings Blacktown, Minchinbury

A western Sydney couple have been given a second chance after their desperate attempt to procure Christmas presents for their family landed the pair in court.

Leanne Davies, 57, and husband Paul, of Colyton. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

Two western Sydney grandparents banned from Bunnings hardware stores for life have told a magistrate their financial hardships over the holiday period led them to embark on a criminal enterprise.

Husband and wife Paul and Leanne Davies, 57, of Colyton, pleaded guilty at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday to two counts each of larceny after stealing more than $550 worth in hardware supplies from two Bunnings stores on November 14.

Shortly before midday, the married couple entered Bunnings Blacktown where Leanne hid Kincrome sockets sets worth more than $500 in her handbag. Hours later, the pair were spotted trying to take another set, as well as a screwdriver, from Bunnings Minchinbury.

Confronted shortly after by police, Leanne told officers their actions were “silly” and admitted to police to having taken the items due to financial difficulties leading into the holiday period.

The pair’s lawyer told Magistrate Bree Chisholm on Friday the couple, who reside in housing commission accommodation, had no criminal record and had only embarked on the “criminal enterprise” to procure presents for their family.

Leanne Davies, 57, and husband Paul, of Colyton, pleaded guilty at Mt Druitt Local Court on Wednesday to two counts each of larceny after stealing more than $550 worth in hardware suppliers from two Bunnings stores on November 14. Â Picture: Nathan Schmidt

“It was driven by need rather than greed,” the Davies’ lawyer said. “They weren’t reselling the items. It was a stupid decision.”

The Davies’ lawyer said the pair had been relying on charities for food in recent months.

In sentencing, Magistrate Chisholm said while the charges were not insignificant, she was confident the pair would not reoffend.

“This is sad on so many levels,” she said. “There is a temptation when times get tough.

“I say that because the community expects sentences that show temptation is not worth it.

But, I am willing to give you both an opportunity to give back to the community whose trust you broke.”

Magistrate Chisholm sentenced the pair to undertake a two-year good behaviour bond, and did not record a conviction.