THE woman banned by a court from every shop in one town has had her bail conditions relaxed, but she won't be popping to the shops yet.
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Marie Wanless is prohibited from entering every retail outlet in Gunnedah "for any reason whatsoever", and now her sentencing for shoplifting charges has been adjourned for another two months, further delaying any shopping plans.
In an application to vary bail in Gunnedah Local Court last week, magistrate George Breton agreed to reduce Wanless' reporting on bail to four days a week, instead of every day.
But the condition to stay away from the shops remains, until at least October.
Wanless has pleaded guilty to shoplifting, and a good behaviour bond she was on at the time has been called up for re-sentencing.
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Mr Breton ordered community corrections staff to compile a sentencing assessment report into Wanless, her background and any issues, ahead of sentencing.
Wanless was first hauled before a Tamworth court in early July.
A magistrate had issued a warrant for her arrest when she failed to show up to answer the charge and bond breaches in Gunnedah court, despite being notified in writing by court staff.
She had been convicted in her absence in Gunnedah Local Court of the larceny of a $20 pair of sunglasses.
She was arrested at her Gunnedah home and taken to Tamworth police station, where she was placed into custody.
The sitting magistrate at the time, Roger Prowse, made the unusual bail condition during the release application in July.
He told the court "her propensity" to shoplift and "her continuing to commit offences against the community" meant the offending was serious.
"If she doesn't go into retail premises, she can't flog anything," he said at the time.
Wanless agreed to the condition in order to secure her release on bail; but her release was opposed by police, who claimed she was an unacceptable risk of re-offending or failing to appear.
Wanless will front a sentencing hearing in October and remains on bail.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
