A GRANDMOTHER who stole $370 worth of children’s clothing because she had no money to buy her grandchildren Christmas presents has been convicted and placed on a bond after appearing in Bathurst Local Court.
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Deanne Gower, 46, of Bannerman Crescent in Kelso appeared in person and unrepresented before magistrate Michael Allen in Bathurst Local Court on January 18.
The court heard that on November 6 Gower entered Best and Less with several empty black shopping bags. As she entered the store she caught the eye of the manager, who then observed her putting several items into her shopping bags before attempting to leave the store.
The manager asked if he could check the bags and she told the manager she had purchased the contents in Big W.
The manager asked to see proof of purchase, and she told him: “No, I don’t [have proof of purchase]. I stole them, I’m really sorry.”
Police were called and Gower told officers she didn’t have any Christmas presents for her eight grandchildren.
When asked if she intended to pay for the items she said “no”.
At the time Best and Less issued her with a state-wide banning notice for all stores in New South Wales.
Mr Allen convicted Gower, placing her on a Section 9 Bond for six months and ordering her to report to Community Corrections.
Gower also appeared on a second shoplifting charge relating to the theft of $170 of property from Bernardi’s IGA on December 2.
On that matter Mr Allen convicted her and placed her on a Section 9 Bond for six months.
