Chinchilla FIFO worker Charles William Lehmann faces Toowoomba Magistrates Court for break and enter

A FIFO worker who habitually reverts to committing crimes while on benders, was quickly busted by police after he broke into a Toowoomba home and left behind not one, but two calling cards.

Charles William Lehmann leaving the Toowoomba courthouse after pleading guilty to two property crimes he committed while on a bender in 2022. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

A Chinchilla FIFO worker was brought before a court for property crimes he committed in Toowoomba while on a “bender” after clocking off from a six week shift.

Police prosecutor Rohan Brewster-Webb told Toowoomba Magistrates Court on February 6 it did not take officers long to track down Charles William Lehmann, after two residents were woken by a man rummaging around their homes.

Mr Brewster-Webb said on November 13 2022, Lehmann broke into a laundry and shed of a James St home.

The court was told a woman was woken in the early hours of the morning and disturbed Lehmann, who was holding an armful of her property, which included a pitchfork.

The 45-year-old ran off and jumped over a fence, however he left behind his wallet and a motel room key.

Charles William Lehmann leaving the Toowoomba courthouse after pleading guilty to two property crimes he committed while on a bender in 2022. Picture: Toowoomba Chronicle

Soon after, Mr Brewster-Webb said officers received a call from another resident who had scared off Lehmann, who had been sleuthing around his yard.

The court was told the victims positively identified Lehmann from CCTV obtained by the Highlander Motor Inn.

Solicitor Jag MacDonald told the court his client had been in the second yard looking for his wallet and room key.

Mr MacDonald said the born and raised Chinchilla man was now living in southern Brisbane suburb of Yeronga, and worked as a FIFO boilermaker at Mount Isa.

Mr MacDonald said Lehmann’s behaviour was odd, and he admitted he couldn’t handle his alcohol, and benders often led to trouble.

The court was told the father had a criminal history of similar crimes, but he had recently been doing well.

In total, Lehmann pleaded guilty to breaking into a premises in order to commit an indictable crime and trespassing, and was sentenced to a six month jail term, suspended for 12 months.