Disability carer Melissa Norris steals from client, caught with drugs

A Central Queensland disability carer who stole from a client says the victim wanted to “make her life hell.”

An independent NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) support worker has pleaded guilty to stealing and drug offences. Generic image.

A Central Queensland disability support worker has faced court after stealing from a client and being caught with drugs and drug items.

Melissa Anne Norris, 46, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on December 7 to stealing as well as possessing cannabis and drugs utensils.

The court heard that between July 23 and August 9 at Cracow, Norris stole a Samsung mobile phone from a client while working as an independent NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) support worker.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Carl Spargo sought restitution of $349 for the phone which he said had been in a storage box at the victim’s residence.

In relation to the drug offences, the court heard that on November 22, police found five used bongs at Norris’s Moura residence along with a pair of scissors, a grinder and a strainer which contained cannabis residue.

The court heard that Norris had drug offending on her criminal history.

Representing herself in court, Norris told Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale she didn’t leave the job with this client on great terms.

“She let me know that she was going to make my life hell,” Norris said.

“I just want it all behind me.”

Ms Beckinsale placed Norris on 12 months’ probation and ordered she pay $349 restitution.

A conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Disability carer Melissa Norris steals from client, caught with drugs