Jamie Lee Gudgeon faces theft charges over thousands of allegedly stolen car keys, alcohol and more
A Dandenong woman has been accused of stealing a bucket load of booze from across the southeastern suburbs and allegedly stealing shoes from outside unsuspecting households.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Dandenong woman has failed to appear in court to face more than 25 charges including allegedly stealing more than $3500 in alcohol.
Jamie Lee Gudgeon, 35, was set to front the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on May 1 but failed to appear due to lack of contact with her lawyer.
The court heard Ms Gudgeon had been homeless for an unspecified period of time in order to “escape a violent relationship”.
Ms Gudgeon’s lawyer Philippa Dixon told the court her client’s ex partner had a history of taking her phone “out of spite” as a method to isolate her.
Police allege Ms Gudgeon stole more than $3500 in alcohol, clothing and other retail items between July 2022 and February 2024.
“We’ve been working to consolidate Ms Gudgeon’s matters to hopefully resolve as much as we can,” Ms Dixon said.
In charge sheets seen by the Herald Sun, it is alleged Ms Gudgeon’s offending began in July 2022 where she stole $506.90 in alcohol from a Seaford liquor store.
She allegedly went on to steal sunglasses worth $404 and $258 in makeup testers in August 2022.
Police allege Ms Gudgeon continued her string of thefts in 2023 where she allegedly stole a wallet and car keys costing $404 from an unsuspecting person in Springvale as well as a pair of Asics runners costing $230 from a Pakenham home in October.
She is also alleged to have stolen a $107.99 bottle of Johnny Walker Double Black Label from a Mulgrave liquor store, three bottles of whisky valued at $621 from a Springvale liquor store, and 13 bottle of alcohol from Wheelers Hill worth $700.
Police allege Ms Gudgeon’s haul of stolen items amount to $3,626.80.
Magistrate Jacinta Studham granted Ms Dixon’s request for an adjournment, despite the prosecution’s call for an arrest warrant.
“Given her vulnerabilities in terms of attending court, I’ll give her a chance to answer her bail,” she said.
Ms Gudgeon is expected to return to court on May 8 to enter a plea for the charges.
