Allen Franklin sentenced for Bunnings Rockhampton theft

Two people teamed up to steal $1700 worth of products from a Central Queensland Bunnings store but staff members were hot on their heels, a court has heard.

Allen Michael Franklin, 39, was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court for stealing from Bunnings Rockhampton. Generic image.

A man who stole $1700 worth of products from a Central Queensland Bunnings store, has faced court.

Allen Michael Franklin, 39, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Wednesday to stealing.

The court heard that on October 11, Franklin and a female co-accused attended Bunnings Rockhampton and put $1700 worth of items into a trolley.

Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach said the pair left the store through a nursery exit without paying for anything.

Ms Leach said staff members saw this and they followed the duo into the carpark.

She said Franklin and the woman then started running while pushing the trolley, and they yelled at the Bunnings workers to “f*** off.”

Allen Michael Franklin, 39, stole from Bunnings Rockhampton.

The workers saw the pair go to a nearby house and that’s where police found them and recovered all of the stolen products, the court heard.

It was told Franklin’s alleged co-offender was also charged and she had not had her matter dealt with in court yet.

Franklin had a nine-page criminal history which included drugs and weapons offences, and he committed this latest offence while on suspended sentences.

Solicitor Jun Pepito submitted the operational periods of the suspended sentences be extended, but Magistrate Mary Buchanan did not support that.

Ms Buchanan activated the suspended sentences and sentenced Franklin to two months’ jail with immediate parole.

A conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Allen Franklin sentenced for Bunnings Rockhampton theft