Richard Masters in Rockhampton Magistrates Court for stealing

A man who stole more than $1500 worth of items from stores in Rockhampton and Bundaberg claims he committed the thefts to pay off debts he owed.

Richard Masters.

A man who stole more than $1500 worth of items from stores in Rockhampton and Bundaberg claims he committed the thefts to pay off debts he owed.

Richard Masters, 41, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on November 20 to three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Caitlin Booker said Masters stole a $300 jump starter pack from Repco in North Rockhampton on October 19.

Senior Constable Booker said Repco employees shouted at Masters but that he ignored them and left the business without paying.

She said Masters stole a $899 Sidchrome 32 piece socket set from Total Tools in Rockhampton on July 11 and a $399 radio pack from Officeworks in Bundaberg on June 29, 2022.

Masters removed the wrapping from the radio pack and discarded it before leaving the store without paying for the item.

Senior Constable Booker said a forensic examination of the wrapping revealed Masters fingerprints on the item.

Masters was also captured on CCTV at each business he stole from.

Senior Constable Booker said restitution was sought for $1598, which was the total value of the property stolen.

Defence lawyer Brendan Gimbert said his client took the items to “pay for debts he owed”.

Acting Magistrate Gary Finger sentenced Masters to six months prison with immediate parole.

Masters was also ordered to pay $1598 restitution.

Criminal convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Richard Masters in Rockhampton Magistrates Court for stealing