Maxwell Robert Mahoney pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs

The former painter was caught on CCTV pilfering a set of headphones from the store, and it only got worse from there.

Maxwell Robert Mahoney, 28, pleaded guilty to stealing and possessing dangerous drugs when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court this week.

A man who was busted stealing a $99 set of headphones from Big W was later busted with meth when he was picked up by police.

Maxwell Robert Mahoney, 28, pleaded guilty to stealing and possessing dangerous drugs when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Balam Selvadurai said Mahoney had been at Big W in Maryborough on February 20, 2025.

He had taken a set of headphones worth $99, the court heard, which was reported to police along with CCTV footage.

On March 11, Mahoney was located by police on Alice St.

He was spoken to by police about the stealing matter, Sgt Selvadurai said, before he was taken to the watch-house where a search was carried out.

Police located .3 grams of meth, Sgt Selvadurai said.

Maxwell Robert Mahoney, 28, pleaded guilty to stealing and possessing dangerous drugs when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court this week.

Defence lawyer Mark Riddell said his client had experienced personal difficulties, being homeless and living in his car for the past year.

He was looking into getting emergency accommodation through his job network, Mr Riddell said.

Mahoney had worked as a painter but no longer had a driver’s licence, he said.

He had literacy issues which had exacerbated his issues with finding housing, Mr Riddell said.

He described the offending as “unsophisticated”.

Mahoney had been diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome along with depression and anxiety, Mr Riddell said.

Mahoney was fined $700 and convictions were recorded.

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