Magistrate Bruce Williams told a woman who was brought before him in Orange Local Court on Monday that alcohol was no excuse for shoplifting and she stole because she was dishonest not because she was drunk.
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“It’s not the alcohol making you steal it’s the underlying dishonesty that’s the issue,” Mr Williams said.
He fined Lica Andrei $400 for shoplifting, $400 for larceny and $200 for carrying a pocket knife when she was arrested.
Andrei, a 47-year-old from Mangowa Close, was represented in court by solicitor Gerry Stapleton who said his client had been in Narrabri to pick onions when she stole a dress and a pair of thongs from two stores on October 18, 2016.
“She had consumed a six pack of full-strength beer and had parted contact with her friend and colleague, Ms Andrei was walking around the street and entered a couple of stores,” Mr Stapleton said.
“She was affected by alcohol and medication for depression and sinus relief.”