Rockingham: Woman convicted of stealing after blaming child for iPad theft

A WOMAN attempted to pin the blame for an iPad theft on her 10-year-old child at a court appearance this week.

Annette Marie Harris’ attempt was unsuccessful, with Magistrate Michael Wheeler accusing her of setting a “bad example” for her children and fining her $500.

Harris pleaded guilty to one count of stealing after the prosecutor said she took an iPad mini that had been left on a seat at Baldivis Shopping Centre on June 28.

Harris picked the iPad up, placed it in her bag then walked past security guards and centre management – making no attempt to hand in her find.

She was later identified using CCTV footage from the shopping centre.

Police said at first she said she claimed to know nothing about the iPad but later admitted to taking it.

However, the duty lawyer said it was Harris’ 10-year-old child who placed the iPad in her bag.

She said Harris had contacted the owner through the iPad and that the owner said they were not going to press charges.

She was surprised to be summonsed to court on the charge and asked for a spent conviction.

Mr Wheeler said Harris had a previous stealing conviction from 1999.

“You present a very bad example for your children,” he said.

“I don’t see any reason for a spent conviction so I’m not giving one; you have had one before.”