$100,00 thief ’walks’: Woman targeted trailers

A woman who stole nearly $100,000 worth of goods in a spate of tradesmen’s trailer thefts has escaped a jail sentence.
Tenille Stewart, 32, of Holyhead Dve, Torquay, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates Court this week to 19 charges including theft, obtaining property by deception and possessing proceeds of crime and weapons.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Eugene Marshall told the court Stewart stole a series of trailers during April and May with boyfriend Gerard Kerr, 38, now in prison.
Police conducted a search warrant on the couple’s residence at Smith St, Winchelsea, and seized stolen items, Snr Const Marshall said.
“Eighty items were seized, including a vehicle, numerous power tools and tradesmen’s equipment, musical equipment, surfboards, weapons and other items believed to be stolen goods or the proceeds of crime,” he said.
Over $63,000 worth of goods remained unrecovered.
The court heard the couple stole trailers from Jan Juc, Lara, Elwood, Newtown, Richmond and Elliminyt.
They also stole a motor scooter worth $500 from Albert Park.
The couple pawned some of the goods at Cash Converters in Geelong and Collingwood.
Sen Const Marshall said Stewart admitted during the search to obtaining knives, knuckle dusters and pepper spray while working in security at Avalon and Tullamarine airports between 2009 and 2011.
“The accused was uncooperative and unremorseful throughout the interview.”
A doctor’s report said Stewart thought treatment was a “waste of time”, the court heard.
Defence Lawyer Michael Brugman said Stewart had been a drug addict but had no relevant prior convictions.
“Her psychiatric history was and still is fragile. She is determined to remain drug-free,” Mr Brugman said.
Ms Stewart’s father, John McCarthy, a retired bricklayer of Holyhead Dve, Torquay, said his daugther’s attitude had improved since she recently started part-time work.
Her crimes agains tradesmen in his community was “very embarrassing”, Mr Stewart told the court.
Magistrate Ann McGarvie sentenced Ms Stewart to a 12-month community corrections order and ordered her to pay $12,324 in compensation.
“It is self-evident you went off the rails when you started your relationship with Mr Kerr,” she said.
“You have a number of issues that can and should be dealt with. This is your chance to make a change.”