Roxanne Clark: Gold Coast mum, retail worker pleads guilty to defrauding almost $8000 from Kmart

A Gold Coast mum ripped off almost $8000 from a major retailer she’d worked for since a teenager, claiming it was a “desperate decision” during the pandemic. HOW IT UNRAVELLED

A Gold Coast mum ripped off almost thousands of dollars from the major retailer she worked for in what her lawyer claimed was a “desperate decision” made during Covid.

Roxanne Katherine Clark – a former Kmart employee of 18 years – defrauded $7835 while working at the brand’s Southport, Robina, and Elanora stores between November, 2021 and March, 2023.

Southport Magistrates Court was told Clark carried out 79 fraudulent transactions within that period – during which she was employed as a team member and later store manager – including issuing herself with refunds or exchange vouchers.

It was heard Clark’s fraud was uncovered after a loss prevention officer detected suspicious activity at the Elanora store. Clark said she wanted to “do the right thing” when contacted but did not repay any money at the time and soon resigned.

Roxanne Clark (left) leaving court. Picture: Jessica Paul

Police prosecutor Sergeant Greg McKenzie argued for Clark to receive a wholly suspended jail sentence despite her clean criminal history, describing her scheme as “a major breach of trust”.

Clark was prepared to repay the full amount the day of her sentencing, the court was told.

Defence lawyer Matthew McCarthy said the 35-year-old was an excellent employee for most of her almost two-decade stint with the retailer, but began to struggle financially in 2020 after giving birth to her daughter.

Mr McCarthy said strain built as Clark’s husband was also unable to travel to Bali for work or claim welfare payments as a non-Australian citizen.

“Due to these circumstances in combination with severe cost of living pressures, Ms Clark made a desperate decision to begin defrauding her employer to protect the welfare of her daughter,” he said.

Mr McCarthy said Clark – who reported symptoms of depression and anxiety – had strong family support and now worked as an area manager for Lowes.

Clark pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by an employee.

She was placed on probation for two years and ordered to pay full restitution.