Angela Maree Parris punished for shoplifting jacket from Rockmans Yeppoon Central

The long arm of the law has caught up with a Central Queensland woman who delayed her shoplifting court matter ‘for more than what is appropriate’ citing ‘Covid’. Here’s what happened.

A woman charged with shoplifting a jacket from a Yeppoon fashion retailer has been dealt with by a magistrate after too many non-court appearances due to “Covid”.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale decided to proceed with the court matter of Angela Maree Parris, 49, ex parte in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on August 4 when Parris did not attend.

The court heard that Parris, in correspondence to the court, had cited “being Covid positive” as the reason for her not appearing on August 4 and that she had used this reason numerous times previously for not attending court.

Ms Beckinsale said: “She’s been getting it adjourned for Covid since (pause)” when Police Prosecutor Sergeant Darrell Dalton said: “Since the start.”

Ms Beckinsale then asked Sgt Dalton: “It’s a shoplifting offence, is it a matter that can be dealt with in her absence?”

Sgt Dalton said the matter could be dealt with ex parte and Ms Beckinsale said she would do that.

Sgt Dalton then read the prosecution facts.

He said Parris had entered Rockmans at Yeppoon on the day of the offence.

“She’s taken a jacket, described as a W.Lane brand grey jacket, valued at $149.99,” Sgt Dalton said.

Sgt Dalton said Parris made no attempt to return the jacket to the rack and proceeded to speak to a staff member about jewellery.

“She then walked out of the store without making any attempt to pay for the jacket,” the prosecutor said.

The court heard police spoke to Parris on August 5, 2021 and she declined an interview in relation to the matter.

Ms Beckinsale asked if the jacket was recovered and Sgt Dalton said it was not, and he sought $149.99 restitution.

Sgt Dalton said the prosecution alleged previous offending when he tendered Parris’ criminal history, but no further details about that were heard in court.

Before handing down penalty, Ms Beckinsale noted that Parris had not appeared.

“She’s had that opportunity but has been relying on Covid for more than what is appropriate given the current climate,” Ms Beckinsale said.

Ms Beckinsale convicted Parris of the shop stealing offence, fined her $250 and ordered she pay $149.99 restitution.

Originally published as Angela Maree Parris punished for shoplifting jacket from Rockmans Yeppoon Central