A woman allegedly broke into staff lockers at Geraldton Hospital and stole a wallet, using the victim’s bank card to buy booze, taxi fares, food and electronic goods. Kellie Marie Thompson, 46, is also accused of stealing a charity tin containing $100, and $94 worth of clothes from Cotton On during a three-week crime spree in Geraldton. Ms Thompson was arrested on Sunday and faced Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on Monday charged with four counts of stealing, five counts of gaining benefit by fraud, aggravated burglary and commit, trespassing, and disorderly behaviour in a police station. She was not required to enter pleas. Police allege Ms Thompson made her way through locked electronic doors into a section of the hospital that was off-limits to the public last Saturday. She allegedly rummaged through staff lockers, making off with a purse containing $38 and a wallet containing $15 and bank cards, which she used to rack up a $187 bill. Defence lawyer Eloise Taylor said Ms Thompson had a drug problem and “would like an opportunity to address those issues while on bail”. But Magistrate Chris Miocevich said she had been given chances in the past. “It’s not just one offence, it’s a spree,” he said. “The community are sick of people stealing, committing fraud and doing burglaries … if I let you go, chances are you’re just going to go out and reoffend.” Ms Thompson told Mr Miocevich her arrest had been her “wake- up day”.
