Woman Fined $350 For Theft From Foster’s In Savannah. No Conviction To Be Recorded.
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By Alric Lindsay
Joanne Connolly appeared in the Summary Court today, July 15, 2025, to face one charge of theft of $177.58 from Foster’s supermarket in Savannah. After she pleaded guilty, the Chief Magistrate fined her $350 and gave her a conditional discharge for 12 months. No conviction will be recorded if she doesn’t commit a crime during that period.
Background
According to Crown Counsel from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Connolly went to the Foster’s Countryside location on November 16, 2024. She packed items in her shopping cart, but left without paying.
Reportedly, the police were called and she was arrested. She admitted she didn’t go to cashier to pay for the items she put in a trolley and she was the person shown on CCTV. She later said she was taking medication, which caused her to forget to pay for the items.
Sentencing
After hearing from Connolly (who represented herself) and DPP Crown Counsel, the Chief Magistrate noted that, given that the theft was categorised under the sentencing guidelines as low harm and low culpability, the starting point is a fine.
Addressing the factors impacting the sentence, the Chief Magistrate said:
I do accept you have presented all the information in relation to your medication and your medical condition that apparently causes lapses at times. I accept that. So that’s your personal mitigation.
The Chief Magistrate added:
You are also responsible for five persons. So, your income is extremely important to your family and your job is important to your family in all the circumstances.
In the circumstances, the Chief Magistrate fined Connolly $350 or face 3 weeks in prison in default. The Chief Magistrare also ordered a conditional discharge for 12 months, which means that no conviction will be recorded of she does not commit offence in the next 12 months.
