Woolworths reports a mother to the police after self-service checkout blunder saw her given $1,000 too much cashback - even though she's happy to repay it

  • A mother-of-four is facing criminal charges for a dispute over cash out amount
  • Belinda Howell was charged for theft after alleged mix-up at local Woolworths
  • She claims that the incident was one big misunderstanding between parties
  • Daily Mail Australia also spoke with a Woolworths spokeswoman for comment  

By Adam Mccleery For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A mother-of-four is stunned to be facing criminal charges after accusations she stole money from her local Woolworths store.

Mount Gambier woman Belinda Howell, 42, told The Advertiser an alleged mix-up could cost her a future in nursing.

Mrs Howell has been called before the courts after claims she stole almost $1000 from a Mount Gambier Woolworths store. 

Mrs Howell says she was at the self-service checkout and requested $1100 cash out.

A mother-of-four is stunned to be facing criminal charges after accusations she stole money from her local Woolworths store (stock image)

A mother-of-four is stunned to be facing criminal charges after accusations she stole money from her local Woolworths store (stock image)

She said she intended on using the money to pay for some home renovations and to pay the wages of her son's carers. 

Her oldest son, Jesse, is afflicted with cerebral palsy and needs around the clock care. 

When the self-service checkout only gave her some of the requested $1100, Mrs Howell alleges a Woolworths staff member quickly tended to her. 

She claims the staff member returned with a 'wad of cash' and handed it over. 

Mrs Howell said she did not count the cash as she assumed it was the correct amount. 

However two months later Mrs Howell got a knock on her door and was shocked to see South Australian Police waiting for her. 

All they told her was that she was required in court 'relating to an incident at Woolworths'.

'I didn't sleep at all that night, all sorts of thoughts were going through my head. Maybe I backed into another car in the carpark or had one of the kids stolen a lolly, I had no idea,' she told The Advertiser. 

She had been charged with dishonestly deceiving another to benefit herself.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said: 'Following an internal investigation we referred this matter to the South Australia Police

A Woolworths spokeswoman said: 'Following an internal investigation we referred this matter to the South Australia Police

Mrs Howell said she was a proud person who put a lot of stock in being an honest person and that the whole saga had shaken her faith in the retail giant. 

'I was (at Woolworths) later that night and the next day, they know me as a regular so I don't know why they didn't just say 'our till was down and we think you might have it', I would’ve happily repaid it and I still would,' she said. 

A Woolworths spokeswoman said: 'Following an internal investigation we referred this matter to the South Australia Police.

'We assisted the police with their investigation and understand they decided to proceed with the prosecution.'

The case will return to Mt Gambier Magistrates Court this month for a pre-trial hearing.

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