Stolen bank card used in 12-hour spending spree

After exchanging the stolen card for a pack of smokes the offender treated himself to food, sundries and services, including a trip to the iconic Toowoomba barber shop – Bou’s for Men. 

Benjamin Joseph Mitchell took a stolen bank card on a 12-hour spending spree.

Benjamin Joseph Mitchell suspected a wallet and bank card offered to him in exchange for a pack of smokes was stolen but he still took the deal.

The 23-year-old Cunnamulla-born man took possession of the tainted property after it was offered to him by an unknown group of offenders shortly before midnight on February 26.

In the proceeding 12 hours Mitchell accrued more than 24 fraudulent transactions across at least 11 businesses.

The Toowoomba Magistrates Court yesterday heard the illegal transactions totalled $827.04.

Police prosecutor Jessica Lynch told the court the impacted businesses included two petrol stations, a 7-Eleven, two taxi companies, Donut King, Bou’s for Men Barber Shop, Big W and a car wash.

“CCTV footage (shows) the defendant making those transactions,” she said.

“The defendant changes clothes throughout the events of this day however with each outfit there is corresponding footage.”

The wallet and its contents were later discarded, where a member of the public found them and returned them to their owner.

Police arrested Mitchell about 5pm on February 28, at which time he was in possession of a syringe loaded with methamphetamine.

Sgt Lynch said Mitchell admitted to the arresting officers that he made the fraudulent transactions.

For the defence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service solicitor Michael Corbin said his client had served a term of probation in the past and was looking into a hospitality career.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to 15 counts of fraud and one count each of failing to take reasonable care and precaution of a syringe or needle, possessing dangerous drugs and receiving tainted property.

In sentencing, Magistrate Graham Lee took note of Mitchell’s brief criminal history and his early plea.

He fined Mitchell $300 for the drug offences and $800 for the fraud offences.

Mr Lee also ordered that Mitchell pay $826.04 to the Heritage Bank as restitution.

None of the convictions were recorded.