Criminal history comes back to haunt Toowoomba mother of two

Instead of a fine the mother of two now has a six-month jail sentence hanging over her head.

The woman’s criminal history counted against her in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

A MOTHER of two’s criminal history has come back to haunt her after she pleaded guilty before Toowoomba Magistrates Court to what would ordinarily be considered a relatively minor offence of stealing.

Had it been Shantel Leah Beaumont’s first offence, the stealing of a set of kitchen knives from a Grand Central Shopping Centre store may have attracted just a fine.

However, police prosecutor Chris Willson told the court the 29-year-old had seven pages of criminal history, the majority of those convictions being similar property offences.

Senior Constable Willson submitted a stronger penalty was required in the circumstances.

The court heard investigations had identified Beaumont as stealing the knives from a kitchen appliance store on November 25.

Her solicitor Alysha Jacobsen, of Bouchier Kahn Lawyers, said her client instructed she couldn’t recall taking the knife set or where it ended up.

Her client claimed she had been prescribed new medication for anxiety and panic attacks at that time, she said.

Ms Jacobsen said her client had a bed at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital from Wednesday to undergo a seven to 10 day detox program after which she would continue to work with AODS (Alcohol and Other Drugs Service) to address her issues and asked that she not be jailed so she could complete those courses.

Magistrate Graham Lee sentenced Beaumont to six months in jail but ordered she be released immediately on parole.