Two adults charged with breaking into the Inverell convent have stood before the magistrate to answer for their crimes.
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Inverell's Christopher John Keely, 19, and Amanda Smith, 19, were sentenced at Inverell Local Court on Thursday, both admitting it was one of the "dumbest" things they'd ever done.
Keely was sentenced for breaking into the convent on two separate occasions, charged with enter enclosed lands, destroy or damage property, and aggravated break and enter in company and steal.
He was accompanied both times by others. The first time by two young people, who have been dealt with under the Young Offenders Act, and the second with the same young people but with Smith as well.
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Smith was charged with break and enter dwelling in company and steal.
On March 18, Keely jumped the construction fence of the convent, punched a glass window to get in - cutting himself on the hand in the process - and climbed through the window. When one of his companions couldn't get in, the three left the building.
Then on March 28, Keely went back to the building with the others.
Keely smashed the window - this time wrapping his hand in his t-shirt beforehand - and all entered the building. Walking around the floors, they set off the alarm which scared them into fleeing.
The group went back in when the alarm stopped sounding but unbeknownst to them, security had been notified and came to investigate, witnessing the group leave the convent.
Smith stayed when the others fled, going back into the first room, folding up a hand-drawn picture and stuffing it in the elastic of her pants, police statements tendered to court read.
Solicitor Sue Dakin, representing Keely, said he'd told her it was "the worst idea he's ever had", and said while an adult, there was still a lack in maturity as evidenced by the facts.
Also representing Smith, she told the court she had the same sentiments as Keely, saying it was the "dumbest thing she's ever done".
"She has not been drinking since then... it was one of the most sobering experiences," Ms Dakin said.
Magistrate Holly Kemp noted Smith's sentencing assessment report which outlined she was "easily led" especially when drinking.
But Sergeant Mareika Wilkins pointed out that, "of her own volition", Smith went back to the room to steal the picture.
"You actively involved yourself ... you went along but then took the picture," Magistrate Kemp said to Smith, agreeing with Ms Dakin's submissions that she'd been "drunk and dumb".
In sentencing both Keely and Smith - who both received a 25 per cent discount for their early pleas of guilty - Magistrate Kemp said their actions had "wide and far-reaching impacts" into the Inverell community.
"People have the right to expect that their property is safe... especially at night," she admonished.
Keely was convicted and fined $400 for entering enclosed lands. He was placed on an 18-month CCO with supervision for 18 months for destroying or damaging property.
For the break and enter in company, he was convicted, placed on another CCO for 18 months and ordered to pay compensation worth $702.90.
He was also given 50 hours of community service.
Smith was convicted and placed on a Community Corrections Order for 15 months with supervision.
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