AN UNEMPLOYED mother who stole a man’s gold and ruby ring, phone and car before hitting the owner with it, drink-driving and stealing from two bottle shops on separate occasions has been sentenced to 18 months jail.
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Putting a four pack of Jack Daniels from the Royal Hotel bottle shop under her clothing, shop assistants told Amanda Morris, 24, police would be called, to which she replied, “I don’t care” and left the store on August 8.
And, it wasn’t the first time Morris had stolen from a bottle shop.
On December 4 last year she took a six pack of Jack Daniels and Cola from Liquorland Armidale.
Appearing on audio visual link from Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre, Morris pleaded guilty to stealing a car, reckless driving, high-range drink-driving, driving never being licensed, two larceny matters and shoplifting at Armidale Local Court on Monday.
Drinking at a friends house at 10am on September 3, Morris asked to try on the man’s $750 gold and ruby ring.
She then suggested they go on a drive, well-affected by alcohol, the man refused.
Morris, still wearing the ring, then stole the man’s Ford Falcon and phone.
When he tried to stop her, she hit him with the car, reversed and fled toward the New England Highway.
Pulled over by police heading north, Morris was breath tested and blew 0.252.
Police checks revealed Morris has never held a driver’s licence.
Magistrate Michael Holmes said Morris’ behaviour was appalling.
“The risk she’s putting the community at, and that’s coupled with driving dangerously,” Mr Holmes said.
“And then that’s coupled with the fact she doesn’t have a licence.”
Once in custody, police seized the ring and returned it to the victim.
Aboriginal Legal Service defence solicitor Nick Forrest said Morris drinks to deal with depression as a result of not being able to see members of her family.
“She was, until recently, homeless - living at friends and families houses,” Mr Forrest said.
“All of Ms Morris’ offending relates to alcohol abuse.”
Magistrate Michael Holmes said he had to take into account the extent of the criminality.
For shoplifting, Morris was sentenced to three months imprisonment and ordered to pay $21 compensation to Liquor Legends.
She was imprisoned for nine months for stealing from Coles Liquorland.
She was sentenced to 18 months prison with a non-parole period of nine months for taking a car without consent and given nine months in prison and disqualified from driving for five years for driving dangerously.
For high range drink-driving, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison with a nine month non-parole period and disqualified from driving for five years.
She was sentenced to nine months prison for driving never being licensed and disqualified from driving for three years.
All sentences are to be served concurrently, Morris will be eligible for release on June 2, 2018.