Meth-using Gladstone thief Craig Woodrow sentenced for stealing spree

A serial Central Queensland thief who targeted Bunnings four times, as well as Supercheap Auto, Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse, had “pro-criminal attitudes” and even turned up to parole appointments while meth-affected.

Craig Adam Woodrow was sentenced after a stealing spree at Gladstone. Generic image.

A meth-user who committed a nine-month stealing spree in Central Queensland had “pro-criminal attitudes” and turned up to parole appointments while affected by illicit drugs, a court has heard.

Craig Adam Woodrow, 44, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to charges including nine counts of stealing and three counts of breaching bail.

The court heard Woodrow’s stealing spree happened between October last year and June this year.

He stole once from Supercheap Auto Gladstone, putting two jump starters down his pants and leaving the store without paying.

He also stole once from Chemist Warehouse Gladstone, putting a beard trimmer and a can of deodorant down his pants.

He stole three times from Woolworths Kin Kora, taking items including candy bars and meat.

And he targeted Bunnings Gladstone four times, flogging items including hydrochloric acid, a welder, soldering iron, hammer and a butane lighter.

The prosecution said Woodrow’s thefts ranged from $20 worth of products to $370.

It did not seek restitution.

Gladstone Courthouse.

The court heard Woodrow had a 22-page criminal history which included primarily dishonesty, property, drug and breach of bail offences, and these latest offences were committed while he was on parole.

A corrective services officer told the court that Woodrow’s offending pathway was directly linked to methamphetamine use and his “pro-criminal attitudes.”

“Mr Woodrow has consistently reported (while on parole) using methamphetamine and attended the office on numerous occasions under the influence of illicit drugs,” the officer said.

She further stated Woodrow had also failed to report while on parole and his overall response to supervision had been “poor.”

Solicitor Rio Ramos said Woodrow was a father of two who had been “in and out of prison over the years.”

She said Woodrow had not had employment since 2022.

On September 4, Magistrate Mary Buchanan sentenced Woodrow to 56 days’ jail, declared 56 days’ pre-sentence custody as time already served, and fixed immediate parole eligibility.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Meth-using Gladstone thief Craig Woodrow sentenced for stealing spree