Coles worker “made a mistake”, stole $24,000

A Bunbury Coles worker says he “made a mistake” and will pay for it after admitting to stealing more than $24,000 in cash from the supermarket where he was employed.

John Frederick Parker, 39, pleaded guilty in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday to 14 separate stealing incidents between July and August this year.

The court was told Parker stole amounts between $850 and $2750 on each occasion while employed at the Centrepoint Shopping Centre Coles.

Parker stole $24,480 in total between the dates of July 9 and August 22.

Parker was originally facing 28 counts of stealing as a servant, but police prosecutors dismissed 14 during the court proceedings.

Parker’s lawyer Natasha Erlandson requested a pre-sentence report for her client ahead of sentencing on December 16.

Magistrate Brian Mahon told Parker the charges were a “serious situation” and there was a risk of imprisonment.

“I’m not saying that’s going to be the outcome, I just don’t want you to be surprised,” Magistrate Mahon told Parker.

Parker was released on a $1000 bail with residential, reporting and protective conditions which prohibit him from going to the supermarket until sentencing is handed down.

Outside of court, Parker said he had made a mistake and would pay for it.