Zechariah Joel McLean, 35, sentenced in Ipswich Court for break-in spree, stealing cash, jewellery

An Ipswich meth addict scaled fences and fell through the roof of a Big W during a series of break-ins in which he pilfered thousands from local businesses.

An Ipswich meth addict scaled fences and fell through the roof of a Big W during a series of break-ins in which he pilfered thousands from local businesses.

An Ipswich meth addict with an extensive criminal history has been sentenced after breaking into a jewellery store less than a week after he was released on parole.

The shop was just one of five businesses he targeted during the “sophisticated’’ spree, a court heard at his sentencing on Tuesday, November 7.

Leichhardt’s Zechariah Joel McLean, 35, pleaded guilty in Ipswich District Court to three counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break, wilful damage, enterin premises with intent, entering premises and committing an indictable offence.

The court heard McLean first broke into the Indian Mehfil restaurant through a manhole in the roof and stole $16,000 from a safe on June 6, 2021.

He then targeted four other Ipswich businesses during a “crime spree” which the court heard started just six days after he was released on parole for burglary and drug offending.

Crown prosecutor Ashleigh Wakefield said McLean stole watches, gemstones, jewellery and pieces of gold and sterling silver from Yung Tang Jewellers on Brisbane St on January 28, 2022.

Ms Wakefield said McLean entered through the back of the store, wearing a hat and clothing over his face in an attempt to conceal his identity.

She said he cut a padlock and kicked open a rear fence to gain entry, breaking a security camera in the process.

McLean also entered the Big W in Booval after “falling through the roof of the store,” causing damage to the ceiling on February 13, 2022.

He tried to steal money at the self check-out section but was unsuccessful.

Later that same, he broke into an Ipswich cafe by jumping over a 2m fence and using a crowbar in an attempt to get into a second-floor window.

He then scaled a fence to enter a courtyard and ripped a key lockbox off the wall, but also was unsuccessful in his attempt to break-in.

Finally, McLean tried to break into Redbank Plaza on March 10, 2022 and caused damage to the security board.

Ms Wakefield said McLean had an extensive and relevant criminal history, including 32 convictions for break and enter or burglary-type offences.

“He hasn’t been deterred by previous sentences. His history is clear, that previous sentences have been designed in a way to provide him with means to facilitate his rehabilitation,” she said.

Defence barrister Steve Kissick said his client had a “chronic and unfortunately continuing addiction to methamphetamine”.

Although he admitted the offences were “sophisticated”, he noted McLean had not resorted to “the terrorisation of shopkeepers and things of that nature”.

McLean was in custody at Borallon prison for 605 days since his offending, during which time he obtained a white card and completed several courses.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren said it was concerning McLean had returned to methamphetamine use and reoffending so quickly after being released on parole.

“The real challenge for you is to see if you can do something this time to stop you just bouncing back in and out as you have done for a long time now,” he said.

McLean was sentenced to four years’ jail with immediate parole eligibility.

His 455 days of presentence custody declared as time served.