Marley Jack Hampson, 38, is alleged to have stolen from a Bunnings store on two occasions. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
An alleged serial thief suspected of stealing up to $20,000-worth of items presented a risk to any worker who confronted him while he committed a theft in the community, a prosecutor has claimed.
Marley Jack Hampson allegedly stole items from Spotlight Gungahlin worth $1200 in March 2024, then went to Coles Gungahlin and threatened to stab a store worker when he was challenged for taking goods that July, the ACT Magistrates Court heard.
On 16 October 2025, he allegedly went into a Chemist Warehouse in Woden and punched a security guard in the face when stealing a shirt.
Then on 26 October and 1 November, he allegedly stole about $1300-worth of items from Bunnings Fyshwick.
An ACT Policing spokesperson stated on Monday afternoon (3 November) that officers observed a Toyota Fortuner entering a carpark in Fyshwick.
Hampson, a 38-year-old from Denman Prospect, was arrested when he got out of the car with another man.
The police spokesperson alleged that the Fortuner was unregistered and uninsured, while Hampson’s drivers license was suspended.
He faced the Magistrates Court on Tuesday (4 November), where he was charged with two counts of robbery, as well as charges of minor theft, joint commission minor theft and driving-related charges.
The court heard that police suspected he was behind a range of shoplifting incidents from the last year, worth a total of $20,000, and they expected to lay more charges against him.
However, his defence lawyer said these allegations were entirely uncharged and she urged Magistrate Ian Temby not to give them any weight.
The lawyer, when applying for bail, said her client relied on welfare payments and lived with family members, whom he supported.
She also said he had been cooperative with police.
The prosecutor opposed bail, claiming there was a risk to any worker who confronted him while he was committing a theft in the community.
Magistrate Temby ran through the history of allegations against Hampson.
“The likelihood of further offending is pretty obvious, given the chronology that I’ve identified,” the magistrate said.
“I think his capacity to comply with bail conditions is pretty low.”
Bail was refused and Hampson looked visibly upset to hear he would be remanded in custody.
The matter was adjourned to 24 November. No pleas were entered.
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