Lockyer Valley man sees opportunistic moment, cashing out a stranger’s pokie machine and fleeing with full pockets

Within two minutes, a Lockyer Valley man had cashed out another punter’s machine and fled the hotel with full pockets.

Aaron Ben Screech appeared in Gatton Magistrates Court for stealing. PHOTO: Social Media

One man decided the risk of losing his own money on a poker machine was a bigger gamble than pinching $50 from a stranger’s machine when he stepped outside for a smoke.

The opportunity to become that bit richer was too strong for Aaron Ben Screech, who in two minutes cashed out the other man’s reserved machine and left the building.

When the victim returned, he noticed the machine had zero credits and the money gone.

Hotel staff used CCTV to confirm Screech stole the money, walked outside and left with a female companion during the June 29 incident.

Screech, 21, from Kensington Grove, represented himself in the Gatton Magistrates Court and described the act as “stupid”.

“I was just drinking and not thinking,” he said.

“I am sorry. I shouldn’t have done it.”

Screech attended the Gatton police station on July 1 and confirmed he and his partner had travelled to Moree but refused to be formally interviewed.

Magistrate Kay Ryan told Screech it was “not the best decision you’ve ever made”.

“This seems to be what we call an opportunistic thing to do. You saw the opportunity and you took it,” she said.

Screech pleaded guilty to one charge of stealing and was fined $400 and ordered to pay $50 restitution.

No conviction was recorded.