Shania Rose Bonney: Woman avoids jail for shoplifting despite falling under tough new retail theft legislation

A mother of three who repeatedly stole alcohol and groceries from stores across Geraldton has avoided jail despite being caught under tough new laws introduced to put serial thieves behind bars. Shania Rose Bonney, 23, was sentenced in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Tuesday for a number of theft, drug and traffic offences, including 28 counts of stealing. The court was told the young mother was subject to recent changes to legislation which removes the fine-only penalty limit for repeat shoplifters. Under the new reforms, which came into effect this month, people convicted of stealing and have two or more prior stealing convictions in the past year can face a maximum of two years imprisonment and a $24,000 fine. Instead, Bonney was fined and handed a court order. Defence lawyer Lauren Roycroft told the court Bonney was stealing essentials such as food and baby formula out of necessity to care and provide for her children aged four, two and one. Ms Roycroft said while the scourge of stealing affected the wider community, large supermarket chains were not vulnerable victims. Magistrate Matthew Walton noted Bonney’s thefts were largely alcohol-related. He said stealing from big corporations such as Coles or Woolworths was not mitigatory, arguing Rigters Supermarkets Group was a family-owned business in Geraldton often targeted by thieves. “At the end of the day this is unequivocal, lengthy offending ... I do not share the view that it is somehow mitigatory,” Mr Walton said. He noted Bonney’s drug and alcohol issues and tense family relationships contributed to her “unrelenting stealing”. Mr Walton said he needed to send a clear message that stealing was unacceptable, but took into account she was a young mother with three children who were relying on her. “If you continue to steal from shops, or licensees and other entities, the time will soon come where the court will have no option but to sentence you to a term of imprisonment,” he said. “I’m taking into account your three children who need their mother.” Bonney was handed an eight-month community-based order with supervision and program requirements and a $1600 fine. Her licence was disqualified for nine months for driving without a licence.