A serial shoplifter busted with stolen goods has been jailed for at least six months after pleading guilty to a string of offences.
Thomas John Beale, 37, appeared on screen at Penrith Local Court last Thursday charged with a host of dishonesty crimes. Over a matter of six months, Beale pilfered a number of items, including chocolate bars, lollipops, 30 pairs of anklet socks, cosmetics and four bottles of vodka.
He also kept a mobile phone he found in a St Marys car park, which was recovered when the owner utilised a “find my phone” app.
The court was told the offender had a “troubled upbringing” and had a serious ‘ice’ addiction as well as alcohol issues.
Magistrate Peter Thompson noted he had received short sentences in recent years and hadn’t had much support or been afforded a long stint on parole to assist with his rehabilitation.
He warned Beale he was only going to receive longer and longer sentences if he continued to re-offend.
“Make the most of it, don’t waste it,” he said of his time on parole.
He was handed a 12-month aggregate sentence with a six-month non-parole period.
With time already served, he is eligible for release on January 10, 2020.
Alena Higgins
Alena Higgins is the Weekender's Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.