Case Studies
Shoplifting:
Client Diverted Pursuant to Mental Health Legislation
Case overview
Our client was charged with larceny (shoplifting value under $2,000). The police facts alleged that our client was seen by security removing security tags from merchandise and then placing these items into her bag. Our client was caught on CCTV footage stealing items approximately worth $1200.
Our client explained that she had an out of body experience and was not in the right frame of mind at the time of the offence. We advised our client that she had merits in making a section 14 application pursuant to mental health legislation. We proposed she attend sessions with a psychologist in order to obtain an expert report outlining their mental state at the time of the offence.
Case Result
We prepared the section 14 application thoroughly and appeared before Downing Centre Local Court. The court accepted our application. The charge was withdrawn and dismissed and our client was discharged into the care of her psychologist on the condition that she comply with the proposed psychological treatment plan. This was a great result for a very vulnerable client.