Robert Kent in Gladstone court for Chemist Warehouse thefts

A Gladstone perfume thief targeted the same business twice and used exactly the same tactics each time, with a court hearing why he stole the items.

Robert Christopher Kent faced Gladstone court for two stealing charges.

A man who stole perfume as a birthday present for his “female friend” has faced court to get his punishment.

Robert Christopher Kent, 45, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on May 30 to two counts of stealing.

Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach said the first of Kent’s offences happened on December 17 last year.

Ms Leach said on that day, Kent attended Chemist Warehouse Gladstone Square, and while in the fragrance section of the store, he removed perfume from its packaging and concealed it down his pants.

Kent then moved to another area of the store where he took an electric toothbrush out of its packaging and also put it down his pants, Ms Leach said.

The court heard that Kent left the store without making any attempt to pay for the items.

The second stealing offence happened on January 12 this year where Kent again targeted the Chemist Warehouse Gladstone Square store.

Ms Leach said Kent again went to the fragrance section where he removed perfume from its packaging, concealed it down his pants, and left the store without paying.

The court heard that Kent had a five-page criminal history which included previous similar offending for which he had received fines and probation for.

A solicitor said Kent was a father of two who was receiving Jobseeker Allowance.

The solicitor said Kent wanted to stop stealing to be a good role model for his children.

The court heard that Kent had stolen the perfume as a birthday present for a “female friend”.

Acting Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed Kent on 12 months’ probation and ordered he pay $390.94 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Robert Kent in Gladstone court for Chemist Warehouse thefts