A CLONCURRY man who was alleged to have stolen a carton of rum was chased by a liquor store attendee in a Bundaberg street, the Mount Isa Magistrates Court heard.
Thomas Joshua Coffison, 20, is accused of stealing from numerous pubs and stores, and trespass, occasionally fleeing from employees attempting to get the items back.
The lengthy list of offences Coffison was alleged to have committed between December and April were read in court yesterday.
He also breached parole by not reporting to the Bundaberg Magistrate’s Court, where other matters were heard.
The most recent occasion happened at a Caltex, where Coffison is accused of shoving groceries into a bag and leaving the store.
Legal Aid Queensland Mount Isa principal Mark Boreham said his client had a compulsive habit of stealing items when he became stressed or anxious.
Mr Boreham gave an example of a previous charge where Coffison attempted to steal blank CDs in a police station while being interviewed.
Coffison did not need the items he attempted to steal.
“Nine times out of 10 he gives it back when he leaves the store,” Mr Boreham said.
Coffison breached parole because he returned to Cloncurry, where he grew up.
He broke his spine in a horse riding accident when he was 14years old.
Mr Boreham said after the accident, Coffison received a large financial payment and turned to heroin.
The matter was adjourned, and will be heard today.
