Christopher Fullerton sentenced for stealing 103 cowboy and country hats in Scone
A Tamworth man broke into an Upper Hunter business before making off with 103 hats in a red wheelie bin.
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A court has heard a Tamworth man was suffering from a relationship breakdown and mental health issues when he decided to break into an Upper Hunter business and steal almost $10,000 worth of hats.
Christopher Wayne Fullerton, 32, smashed the front glass door at Marsh Carney Saddlery at Kelly St Scone on October 27 last year before he made off with 103 ‘country and cowboy’ style hats, which individually would sell for an estimated $250 to $300.
The former Muswellbrook local was caught by a blood smear left on the broken glass door after forensic analysis and CCTV vision showing him making a dash from the store with a red wheelie bin stolen from the nearby Buttered Scone cafe.
The break-in all happened a block from his grandmother’s home where he was staying at the time, according to police facts.
The following month he was arrested at his Taminda home, taken to Tamworth Police Station and charged with break-and-enter which he pleaded guilty to.
At Muswellbrook Local Court on Monday, Fullerton appeared via video link for sentencing.
His solicitor said there’s no doubt it would have had an impact on that business, but his client did the offence at a time when no-one would have been present and it lacked any “real planning” or “sophistication”.
He told the court, Fullerton had mental health issues and was someone who was on his way to rehabilitation.
“He has expressed good insight into his conduct,” his solicitor said.
“At the time he was exiting a relationship and trying to escape with the kids and was living in a caravan at Tamworth.
The Prosecutor said compensation of more than $10,000 was being sought from Fullerton.
Magistrate Ron Maiden agreed an intensive corrections order (ICO) would be appropriate.
“It seems to me he really wasn’t thinking clearly,” Magistrate Maiden said.
“I am prepared to give him the benefit of the ICO.”
He was sentenced to a 14 months ICO.
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