A man has been convicted and fined after CCTV footage captured him taking a new tin of paint from Bunnings and 'returning' it with an old receipt.
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Joshua Gregory Regan, 34, faced Inverell Local Court on Thursday charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage and causing disadvantage by deception.
He received a store credit for the 'Interior Spring' paint, which he then used to pay for other items he picked up.
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When police knocked on his door after they were notified of his actions, he said he didn't remember the incident.
His legal representative, Stephen Collins, said Regan "cannot provide a reasonable explanation" as to why he would blemish his record so.
"He puts it down to a brain freeze," Mr Collins explained.
He requested a lengthy community corrections order without conviction, however it was not to be.
Magistrate Holly Kemp said while the $75 may not seem like a lot of money, the flow on effects from this kind of behaviour had a "real impact" on the community.
"It was underhanded and nasty ... and is not a victimless crime," she said, noting especially the effects in a small community like Inverell.
"It's a low act, Mr Collins," she said.
He was convicted and fined $500, and ordered to pay $75 in compensation.
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