A young woman from Townsville has narrowly avoided a prison sentence after admitting to stealing more than $12,000 from a man's bank account. The case was heard in the Townsville Magistrates Court, where the details of the fraud were laid bare.
Details of the Fraudulent Transactions
The court heard that the woman, Shaniqua Kelly-Lee Thwaites, aged 22, transferred a total of $12,150 from the victim's account to her own. The unauthorised transactions occurred over a period in 2022. Thwaites pleaded guilty to a single charge of fraud, with the prosecution outlining how she had gained access to the man's financial details.
Police prosecutor, Senior Constable Lily Sargent, informed the court that the victim discovered the missing funds and subsequently reported the theft to the authorities. An investigation was launched, leading to Thwaites being identified as the perpetrator.
The Court's Sentence and Conditions
In handing down the sentence on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Magistrate Ross Mack took several factors into consideration. He noted Thwaites' early plea of guilty, her lack of any prior criminal history, and her youth as mitigating circumstances.
Instead of a custodial sentence, Magistrate Mack ordered Thwaites to complete a 12-month probation order. A significant condition of this order is that she must repay the full amount of $12,150 to the victim. The court emphasised the seriousness of the offence but determined that rehabilitation in the community was appropriate in this instance.
Consequences and Legal Context
The case serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for financial fraud, even for first-time offenders. While Thwaites avoided immediate jail time, she now carries a criminal conviction and is legally obligated to make full restitution to the victim she wronged.
Fraud offences of this nature are treated seriously by Queensland courts, with penalties ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment depending on the amount stolen and the circumstances of the offender. The court's decision to impose a probation order with restitution highlights a focus on both accountability and the opportunity for rehabilitation where possible.
