Jordan Denise Bonney: Geraldton prosecution urges for more deterrence as shoplifting becomes ‘massive problem’

A Geraldton police prosecutor has urged the court to use its power to deter thieves and impose tougher penalties after admitting retail theft has become a “massive problem” in Geraldton. On Tuesday, a pregnant Geraldton woman convicted of stealing 16 times this year was granted bail on two new stealing charges. Jordan Denise Bonney, 34, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody on Tuesday after being arrested for allegedly stealing clothing worth $135 from Jay Jays Geraldton on Sunday, August 4. She is also accused of stealing tools to the value of $441 from an auto parts store in Wonthella on July 28. Police prosecutor Sen. Const. Thomas Potts told the court Ms Bonney had a significant stealing history, incurring 16 stealing offences in the past year. She is currently on bail for three other stealing offences and has not entered pleas. Sen. Const. Potts said on and off-duty police were working to combat shoplifting and the community was crying out for “more deterrence without fear of repercussion” to curb the “massive problem in Geraldton”. Defence lawyer Brad Romano said it would be prejudicial to remand Ms Bonney in custody because she would not serve a term of imprisonment if found guilty. He said Ms Bonney was seven months pregnant and planned to move to Tom Price in the next four weeks with her three children aged nine, 12 and 15 and her husband, who was a positive influence on her, to escape from negative peers and drugs. Magistrate Kelly Thompson said despite the charges falling under new tougher legislation to crack down on retail theft, she agreed it was unlikely Ms Bonney would go to jail. “You have young kids and if you end up in prison it’s them who are going to suffer,” she said. Ms Bonney was granted bail with protective conditions not to approach within 10m of either store and must report to the police station once a week. She is due back in court on August 22.