A MOUNT Gambier woman with a lengthy criminal history will spend at least one year and seven months in jail after committing several traffic and dishonesty offences since February.
Amanda Dee Whitehead, 38, appeared via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court pleading to be sentenced for a range of offences.
The prosecution said the offending began on February 14 when police were called out to a vehicle that was “revving continuously” at around 5.50am.
Patrols arrived to find the defendant sleeping in the vehicle with the engine running.
She told police she had intentions to drive to her home in Conroe Heights.
Checks revealed she was not allowed to be driving at all because her licence was disqualified.
On June 16, Whitehead attended a person’s home and asked if she could make a phone call.
The resident permitted the defendant to make the call, however when the victim turned her back, Whitehead stole a tablet.
The victim sought $199 compensation for the theft.
From June 22 to June 23, someone broke into the house of a person in Mount Gambier between the hours of 2am and 6am and stole a handbag containing bank cards.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said she would not be sentencing Whitehead on the basis that she was the one who broke in, however the bank cards did end up in her possession unlawfully.
Whitehead used the bank cards the next day to purchase groceries valuing $786.
Another home was broken into and Whitehead was found in possession of an iPod belonging to the owner of that residence.
On June 23, Whitehead entered a home just before 10pm and stole a chainsaw, jewellery, a necklace and a driver’s licence.
She accepted she broke into the house and stole the items, leading to a charge of serious criminal trespass.
“You stole items of significant sentimental value,” Magistrate Anderson said.
The last of the offending related to the misuse of a motor vehicle.
Whitehead helped herself to some car keys at an airport and stole a hire car.
The car was located outside of her home a short time later and she was arrested.
Highlighting Whitehead’s long criminal history, Magistrate Anderson said there was no basis for further mercy, despite the defendant asking for a lenient sentence.
Whitehead was sentenced to a total of two years, eight months and 20 days for all the offending with a non-parole period of one year and seven months.
The sentence was backdated to start on June 23.
“There is no good reason to suspend the sentence,” Magistrate Anderson said.
Compensation of $1189 was ordered for the theft of the chainsaw, jewellery, a necklace and a driver’s licence.
