Prolific Toowoomba shoplifter says he wants to change his ways

The self-confessed serial shoplifter went on a stealing spree through Woolworths, Best and Less, Target, Kmart, Myer and Dan Murphy’s.

Among his shoplifting spree was Dan Murphy’s Wilsonton from which he stole two bottles of liquor valued at $112.

Prolific shoplifter Peter Anthony Turnbull realised he needed help to stop his light-fingered habits and hoped to seek counselling once released from prison.

The 49-year-old appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court via video link from the prison on Friday to plead guilty to nine stealing charges and one each of breaching a bail condition and possessing tainted property.

The stealing offences arose from Turnbull shoplifting two bottles of liquor from Dan Murphys, Wilsonton, on February 11, clothing from Lowes on May 10, costume jewellery from Woolworths the same day, clothing from Best and Less, Target and Kmart, costume jewellery from Myer between May 6 and 9, and clothing, jewellery, wallets and other items on May 10.

Police prosecutor Cameron Francis told the court Turnbull had an extensive history of offending, in particular stealing matters, and at the time of these offences he had been subject to bail, parole and probation.

The 49-year-old had served 74 days in custody since his arrest, he said.

From the video screen, Turnbull told the court “I need some sort of support out there”.

“The way I think affects the way I act and I need to change the way I think.”

His solicitor Michael Corbin said the father of four had no support in Toowoomba.

His client was willing to undergo counselling but found it difficult to get an appointment with a psychologist in Toowoomba, he said.

“He acknowledges he needs to find a way to keep busy to turn away from thefts from shops,” Mr Corbin submitted.

Magistrate Graham Lee sentenced Turnbull to nine months in jail but ordered the whole term be suspended for 30 months.

For breaching probation he was fined $250 and ordered to pay $112 restitution for Dan Murphys.