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.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
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.
READ ALSO
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.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark inverelltimes.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @inverelltimes
- Follow us on Instagram @inverelltimes
- Follow us on Google News
