Jade Racheal Tselepis in Rockhampton Magistrates Court for stealing

A mum of three who stole from multiple businesses, including Spotlight and Cash Converters, has told police there is a reason why she steals.

Jade Racheal Tselepis leaving Rockhampton Courthouse.

A Rockhampton mum of three who stole from multiple businesses and told police she had kleptomania has turned to online shopping to avoid shoplifting temptation.

Jade Racheal Tselepis, 33, fronted Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday charged with 10 offences, including seven stealing charges.

The court heard Tselepis stole from business including Spotlight and Cash Converters, and was banned from BIG W in Stockland Rockhampton Shopping Centre for a period of time.

Defence lawyer Jess King said her client was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and also suffered from mental and behavioural disorders as a result of previous substance abuse together with post traumatic stress disorder.

Ms King said her client instructed when she experienced manic episodes as part of her bipolar disorder that she focused or fixated on things that would make her feel better.

Jade Racheal Tselepis leaving Rockhampton Courthouse.

“She instructs she has an issue with stealing for that purpose,” she said.

“She has these fixations or this difficulty in relation to taking items when she is beginning to feel unwell.”

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said Tselepis had raised it with police and “called it Kleptomania” on the last occasion at Spotlight.

Ms King said her client had raised these concerns about this behaviour with mental health clinicians as early as May 2022.

She said had client had stopped going to stores and instead shopped online for any items she required.

“That limits her attending shops where the temptation may be an issue,” she said.

“She has engaged in click and collect or delivery options as opposed to attending shops.”

She said her client suffered significant trauma as a child.

She said her client instructed she was now clean from illicit substances and wanted to focus on her mental health and children.

Tselepis pleaded guilty to seven counts of stealing, and one count each of failing to appear in accordance with an undertaking, driving without a licence disqualified by a court order and contravening a direction or requirement by a police officer.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale sentenced Tselepis to two months prison, wholly suspended for 12 months.

Ms Beckinsale also ordered Tselepis to 12 months probation, fined her $1150 and disqualified her from driving for two years.

She was also ordered to pay $617 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Jade Racheal Tselepis in Rockhampton Magistrates Court for stealing