Joshua Jason Watson, 28, sentenced on 33 charges in Warwick Magistrates Court
A Darling Downs criminal has been sentenced after a substance-fuelled crime spree lasting more than a year came to an end.
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A young criminal’s crime spree lasting more than a year has come to an end, with the man ending up face-to-face with the magistrate.
Joshua Jason Watson’s 16 month crime spree across the Darling Downs region resulted with him appearing via videolink from custody on September 11.
Watson, 28, was bulk arraigned on dozens of charges spanning from November 2022 to March 2024, pleading guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm.
The court heard Watson’s crime spree included a “high number” of property crime, drug matters, entering dwelling and committing offences and obstructing police.
On one occasion, Watson burgled firearms and cash from an address in the Downs region.
On another, the 28 year old assaulted a man in Toowoomba City mere days before his crime spree would come to an end.
Defence lawyer Sarah Campbell said Watson had spent more than six months in custody since the offending and while “not a young man” he had prospects of rehabilitation.
Watson plead guilty to a total of 33 charges on Wednesday including assault occasioning bodily harm, enter dwelling, burglary and theft.
Magistrate Janice Crawford said Watson’s “high number” of dishonesty offences relating to property and drug matters were evident through the charge list.
“These are very serious charges, from possessing methamphetamine over a schedule three quantity to a burglary of firearms and cash,” Magistrate Crawford said.
“You were using substances during this period and your life had spiralled,” she said.
“You do not have the benefit of youth and you have a long way to go, you can build yourself a sensible life and stay out of prison.
“The sooner you can get started with your external rehabilitation the better.”
Watson was sentenced to two years imprisonment for all matters, with immediate release on parole.
Watson will serve 40 hours of community service, and all property seized.
Convictions were recorded.
Originally published as Joshua Jason Watson, 28, sentenced on 33 charges in Warwick Magistrates Court
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