Cody Russell Tauwhare in Gladstone court for drug, stealing offences

Frozen potato chips and waffle cones were among the items stolen from Gladstone region businesses by a meth addicted, out-of-work tradie.

Cody Russell Tauwhare faced Gladstone Magistrates Court on September 27.

Two Gladstone region businesses fell victim to a meth addicted, out-of-work tradie turned thief, a court has heard.

Cody Russell Tauwhare, 31, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court on September 27 to three counts of possessing dangerous drugs, two counts of stealing, and possessing property suspected used in a drug offence.

The court heard that Tauwhare was caught with cannabis twice in January - at Tannum Sands and at Boyne Island - and then in February he was busted with methamphetamine.

It was told that on February 6, Tauwhare stole foodstuffs including frozen potato chips from a freezer at the rear of Tannum Beach Fish and Chips.

On the same day, Tauwhare stole items including waffle cones from the Truffle Pig at Tannum Sands.

The court heard that Tauwhare had a nine-page criminal history which included drug trafficking.

Cody Russell Tauwhare.

Solicitor Cassandra Ditchfield said Tauwhare was not currently working but he was looking for employment.

She said Tauwhare last worked in 2019 as an electrical trades assistant and he had suffered from a meth addiction for which he engaged in rehab.

“This offending essentially occurred over about a month period at the start of this year - there has now been seven months without any further offending,” Ms Ditchfield said.

Before handing down the penalty, Magistrate Mary Buchanan noted Tauwhare’s criminal history was “littered with drug offences” and rehab efforts.

Ms Buchanan ordered Tauwhare perform 80 hours of unpaid community service.

Convictions were recorded.