Fay Anne Bargwanna, 51, of Kenna Street, walked into Orange Local Court a free woman on bail who was apparently turning her life around when she was sentenced to 12-months jail with a six-month non parole period.

Magistrate David Day said she had an appalling record with its genesis starting with drug use in the 1990s and included some violent offences as well as many for  shoplifting, for which she was given multiple suspended jail sentences, some of which were breached.

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“Shoplifting remains a prevalent offence in the community,” Mr Day said. 

“Through people like Ms Bargwanna, stores charge more for their goods so they can employ loss prevention officers, retail is not a charity.

“Her propensity to steal from retail outlets is quite remarkable.”

Mr Day said it was also remarkable how many other magistrates had given her good-behaviour bonds for her repeat offending and there was a need for general deterrence. 

Solicitor Peter Ringbauer said in recent months Bargwanna was turning her life around after being the victim of a violent relationship for 32 years and was now reconnecting with family. She had moved to her own place, went on the methadone program and stopped taking illegal drugs. 

He launched a sentence severity appeal to be heard in Orange District Court for Bargwanna, who returned to the courtroom in handcuffs but Mr Day refused to grant her bail until the appeal is heard, to the shock of her supporters.

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Bargwanna was initially arrested on May 20 for the theft after Kmart staff recognised her from previous shoplifting incidents and saw her placing two pairs of leggings valued at $7 each into her backpack.

Before being put into the back of the police vehicle, police officers also found a children’s Paw Patrol t-shirt hidden down her pants.

Mr Ringbauer said Bargwanna knew she was being observed when she stole the leggings but stole them anyway

Bargwanna could be eligible for supervised parole on March 25, depending on the outcome of her severity appeal.