Taylah Adrian Leahy pleads guilty to robbery after stealing from Seasons IGA
A Caloundra woman has been sentenced for robbery after assaulting staff at a local IGA, with the court also hearing of her extensive criminal history.
Police & Courts
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A woman who assaulted a supermarket worker during a shoplifting incident has learned her fate in court.
Taylah Adrian Leahy, 50, of Caloundra, pleaded guilty to a robbery charge in Maroochydore District Court on Tuesday in relation to the incident.
She admitted to stealing from Seasons IGA in Caloundra and assaulting a staff member during the incident.
Legal officer Liam Dennis told the court Leahy entered the store, placed items in her trolley and bags, and ate food while “talking to herself.”
“She appeared to be intoxicated while she was in the store,” Mr Dennis said.
When Leahy attempted to leave without paying, two staff members confronted her.
She shoved a female attendant, causing her to fall onto a sign, and began swearing at the employees.
Leahy then struggled with a male employee who grabbed her trolley, attempting to pull it back from him.
After the employees regained the trolley, Leahy walked away but was later found “passed out on the ground” by members of the public.
Mr Dennis detailed Leahy’s criminal history, which began in 2016, including theft and public intoxication.
Other convictions included a 2019 trespassing and theft incident at the Nambour Community Centre, where she stole furniture and artwork, and a 2021 trespass at the Bloomhill op-shop in Buderim.
Barrister Lachlan Ygoa-McKeown described Leahy’s “downward spiral” as beginning after her 2015 separation from her husband.
She then turned to substance abuse, which, along with her untreated mental health challenges, compounded her difficulties.
Mr Ygoa-McKeown said Leahy had used her recent time in custody to reflect on her actions.
Judge Glen Cash acknowledged the four months Leahy had already spent in custody and released her on parole, requiring her to complete drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.
“It’s a stark reality that faces you. You know where you are going to end up if you don’t take care of these things upon your release,” Judge Cash said.
He urged Leahy to seek a mental health plan through a GP to address her underlying issues, adding that even minor future offences could lead to more jail time.
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Originally published as Taylah Adrian Leahy pleads guilty to robbery after stealing from Seasons IGA
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