A YOUNG mother of three children who stole her doctor’s credit card and went on an ice and methadone-induced spending spree broke down in Orange Local Court after she was given a dressing down by the magistrate.
A YOUNG mother of three children who stole her doctor’s credit card and went on an ice and methadone-induced spending spree broke down in Orange Local Court after she was given a dressing down by the magistrate.
Lisa Russell, 27, cried when Magistrate Bruce Williams told her she had committed a “low opportunistic act” by stealing the card while her doctor had left the room, and illegally purchasing more than $4000 worth of goods.
Russell was represented in court by legal aid solicitor Rebecca McIlveen, who told the magistrate her client had made full admissions to police since she was arrested and had made positive steps to address her drug addiction.
“She has done so well,” Ms McIlveen said.
After stealing her doctor’s credit card in February 2012, Russell went to Sportsman’s Warehouse where she purchased goods to the value of $177.45 before heading to Dick Smith where she purchased a Nikon digital camera and desktop speakers valued at $931.98.
An hour later she was in Kmart where she used the stolen credit card to purchase baby car seats to the value of $597. After leaving that store she made her smallest illegal purchase of the day at Mr Shoemaker and Tobacconist, racking up $36.60.
Just under half an hour later Russell was in Summer Street using the stolen card to buy $22.92 worth of items from Nifty 50 and $76.98 worth of items at Bobby McGees, followed by a purchase of $294.95.
Russell then headed out to Harvey Norman where she purchased a laptop computer worth $1341.80.
She then purchased groceries at Woolworths Supermarket to the value of $384.09 before going to Bunnings where she spent $64.90.
Her final puchase of $96.55 was made at the BP Service Station on Bathurst Road.
Ms McIlveen said with the help of treatment at Cadia House and the Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) program, her client had made a significant effort towards rehabilitation.
Mr Williams told Russell he wanted her to continue on her path to turn her life around.
However, he issued a stern warning that jail could be an alternative if she reoffended.
Russell was placed on an 18-month good behaviour bond.
“If you don’t do what you are told during that time you know what will happen,” Mr Williams said.