A woman from Launceston has received a ban from over a dozen retailers following a series of theft incidents throughout 2024. Nikola Anne Marriott, aged 22, was prohibited from multiple shops as part of her sentencing, which involved a total of 23 matters and 35 individual charges. Many of these charges were related to shoplifting from supermarkets, bottle shops, and variety stores.
The case was presided over by Launceston magistrate Sharon Cure, who highlighted the severity of Marriott’s actions. Notably, she was involved in high-value thefts, including two separate incidents at Woolworths in Prospect Vale where she used self-checkout machines to steal items valued at $400.80 and $692.31.
Marriott’s thefts were marked by incidents of violence. At the Black Stallion Hotel, she threw cans of alcohol at an employee who attempted to intervene. In another incident at Target, she engaged in a physical altercation over a trolley filled with goods valued at $1,443.75. This altercation resulted in a charge of stealing with force, which magistrate Cure condemned as “disgraceful.”
The total estimated value of the goods taken by Marriott amounts to $4,759.11, which included a range of groceries, alcohol, cosmetics, clothing, and household items. Compensation orders were issued in favor of the affected retailers.
Legal Consequences and Court Remarks
In addition to shoplifting, Marriott pleaded guilty to several other offenses, including failing to wear a helmet on a personal mobility device, drug possession, and drug-driving. During the sentencing hearing on September 29, 2024, magistrate Cure expressed serious concern over Marriott’s behavior, stating it was “really quite concerning” and emphasized the importance of the court’s role in punishing shoplifters.
Cure noted the “brazenness” of Marriott’s actions and asserted the need for a deterrent effect, warning, “You will go to jail if you continue going to stores and walk out stealing things.” The court was informed that Marriott had been struggling with a methamphetamine addiction, reportedly initiated by her ex-partner.
Marriott’s time in custody included five days in jail while her matters were resolved. Ultimately, Cure sentenced her to a 12-month community correction order that mandates she attend supervision appointments with a probation officer. Additionally, she was disqualified from driving for three months due to the drug-driving charge.
Marriott’s case has raised significant public interest, reflecting broader concerns about shoplifting and its impact on retailers in Launceston and beyond. As authorities continue to address such offenses, the emphasis remains on the legal and social implications of theft.
