Bundaberg pastor’s son convicted of drug and theft charges

The troubled young son of a popular Qld pastor and jail counsellor, has been caught with meth, stealing and fleeing from cops as his years-long record is revealed.

Timothy Little appeared before Bundaberg magistrate court this Thursday, 13 February, 2025

The son of a well-respected pastor and prison counsellor has been caught committing a string of “foolish” crimes, adding to his growing rap sheet.

Timothy Bernard Bruce Little pleaded guilty in Bundaberg Magistrates Court to four charges, including failure to dispose of a needle and syringe, possession of dangerous drugs, obstructing a police officer, and stealing.

The court heard the 27-year-old, who appeared in court via videlink from the Maryborough jail, had stolen a set of company car keys during his time at the Melbourne Hotel on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

His victim, who worked at a car depot, had left his work keys on a bench at the hotel and later noticed they were gone.

CCTV footage at the hotel exposed Little as the thief.

Magistrate Rowan said it was not a sophisticated operation but caused great inconvenience to the worker and his employer.

The court heard Little claimed that he did not recall what he stole that day, only that he did take something at the Melbourne Hotel and he had no idea where the keys were now.

More than a month after the keys were stolen Little was stopped by police in relation to the stealing charge on Friday, November 29, 2024, and found with of a small quantity of methamphetamine and used syringe.

Ms Rowan told the court that in an attempt to escape police questioning Little “made the foolish decision” to try and run away from the scene but was quickly caught.

Police said Little appeared to be under the influence of drugs and “was initially argumentative”.

Later that evening, while in police custody, Little told officers he had taken methamphetamine shortly before police arrived to question him and said it was “stupid” for him to try and run.

In her sentencing remarks, Ms Rowan considered Little’s potential for rehabilitation.

“You are no stranger to the criminal justice system” she said, pointing to a troubling history of offences, including terms of imprisonment dating back to 2019.
The court also heard that at the time of Little’s latest offending, he was out on parole after being sentenced in the District Court for causing grievous bodily harm.

Despite his record, Ms Rowan said Little had a limited history of obstructing police officers and drug-related crimes.

The court heard Little’s parents were well respected within the community; his father was a pastor in the community who had done significant work in jails across the region.

“I am aware of your father and the roles and responsibility he has within the community,” Ms Rowan said.

“I have no doubt … that he would be very concerned.

“You are very fortunate.

“Many people who come before the court don’t have family such as yours, who are willing to wrap their arms around you to try and assist you”.

The court heard Little had good family support around him in the Central Burnett and Bundaberg region and on release he would live with his sister and her family in the South Burnett.

His decision to plead guilty early in the proceedings also played in his favour during sentencing.

On the drug charges, Little received a six-month probation order, including court mandated counselling sessions, consistent urine drug testing and probation visits from an officer.

He was sentenced to three months in jail, wholly suspended for nine months while restitution for the stolen keys would be handled separately as a civil matter.