Leycester Neal Topfer pleaded guilty to entering a premises and committing an indictable offence
A Queensland cafe owner, whose beachfront business was robbed and damaged by a teen blaming boredom for his actions, says she knows just what he can do with his time. VIDEO.
Fraser Coast
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An incensed Queensland cafe boss has bitten back after a teen who broke into her business told a court he did so because he was “bored”.
Leycester Neal Topfer, 18, pleaded guilty in Hervey Bay Magistrates Court this week to five charges, including trespassing, entering a premise and committing an indictable offence and obstructing a police officer.
The court heard on November 9, 2023, at 1.50am, Topfer and an accomplice threw bricks through the window of Aquavue Cafe on the Esplanade in Torquay.
The two than entered the restaurant, filled their backpacks with alcohol and fled the scene.
Around 3am, the duo was spotted by police with their stolen goods.
The two fled onto Torquay Beach with police giving chase and then arresting them.
Once arrested, Topfer was interviewed, telling police boredom was the motivating factor behind the robbery.
“Topfer made full admittance to the burglary when interviewed by police,” Police Prosecutor Sergeant Sonia Edwards told the court.
“In terms of punishment, I would prefer community service.”
Duty lawyer Virgina Ukpabi said Topfer struggled throughout his schooling, dropping out at Year 10, but was now on his way to securing full time employment in the construction industry by getting his white card.
Speaking to this publication after the sentencing, Aquavue owner Lauren Christie said, “if he (Topfer) is bored than he can come do $1000 dollars' worth of dish cleaning”, referencing the damage bill as a result of the break in.
Her husband and co-owner Jaiden Christie said Hervey Bay residents were “sick of break-ins”.
“We have had enough, and we need something done about it,” Mr Christie said.
Sgt Edwards, Ms Ukpabi and Magistrate Trinity McGarvie agreed due to Topfer’s youth he should not face a conviction for the incident.
He was sentenced to six months' probation for the trespass, enter premises and obstruct charges.
No convictions were recorded.
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