Ralphy Burgoyne and Malcolm Gibbs jailed for SA Motorcycles break-in and theft

A judge said it was a “recipe for disaster” for two men with appalling criminal history to hang out as he jailed them for a brazen smash-and-grab at a motorcycle store.

Two young thieves who were sentenced for their “foolish and immature” crimes were warned by a judge to change their attitudes or spend their best years in jail.

Ralphy Solomon Jacob Burgoyne, 20, and Malcolm Roger Ross Gibbs, 19, were among the gang of thieves involved in the smash-and-grab at a motorcycle store.

Burgoyne, Gibbs and four youths broke into SA Motorcycles at Gepps Cross on November 27, last year and stole a large number of high-value motorcycles.

The motorbikes, which included three red Honda trail bikes and a green Kawasaki trail bike, were valued at approximately $8600 each.

Burgoyne was captured on CCTV assisting in kicking open the front door and carrying out a motorbike, which he rode away on.

CCTV captured the break-in and theft at the Gepps Cross business. Picture: 7 News

The alleged thieves riding away on the stolen motorcycles. Picture: 7 News

During sentencing in the District Court on Thursday, Judge Paul Muscat said one of the boys filmed everybody riding around on the stolen bikes, which police later found as evidence.

Burgoyne, of Parafield Gardens, and Gibbs, of Adelaide, pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including serious criminal trespass and theft.

The court heard Burgoyne turned to drugs from a young age, which led to him committing crimes.

“If you do not do something about changing your attitude and behaviour then you’ll end up spending the best years of your life in prison,” Judge Muscat said.

Ralph Burgoyne was jailed for theft and serious criminal trespass. Picture: Facebook

Judge Muscat said it wasn't too late for Burgoyne to turn things around, despite his and Gibbs’ appalling criminal history.

The court heard Burgoyne, who was born in Whyalla and attended school in Port Lincoln, had found his time in custody “terrifying”.

Judge Muscat sentenced Burgoyne to two years and one month jail, with a non-parole period of 12 months for his “foolish and immature” offending.

“The business clearly suffered significant loss as a result of these crimes,” he said.

The sentence was backdated to November 29, 2021, meaning Burgoyne will be eligible for parole later this month.

Judge Muscat said Gibbs’ background was extremely tragic and he “stood no chance”.

The court heard because of Gibbs’ intellectual disability he was easily led by others.

“Many of our associates knew where you lived and would drop in at night which because of your disabilities was a recipe for disaster,” Judge Muscat said.

Gibbs was sentenced to three years and eight months jail, with a non-parole period of one year and ten months.

The sentence was backdated to November 27, 2021.

Gibbs was also disqualified from driving for three years.