Sebastian Kubiak pleads guilty to unlawful use of stolen vehicles

A young car thief who played a part in the disappearance of a BMW and Ford Ranger has been warned to stay away from bad influences in his life.

A young man involved in the theft of two vehicles from one property has been told to stop associating with bad people.

A concerned magistrate has issued a warning to a young car thief fresh out of a two-month stint in jail.

The teenager was part of a group of intruders who broke into a Yeronga home and stole a BMW and a Ford Ranger, leaving a family devastated.

Going before Ipswich Magistrates Court for sentence, Sebastian Kubiak, 20, pleaded guilty to 16 offences including three charges of unlawful use of a stolen motor vehicle in February and March; two charges of entering dwellings to steal; stealing; fraud; being a learner driver did not comply with conditions; number plate attached when registration cancelled; possession of an illegal drug; and possession of tainted property.

Prosecutor Sergeant Bernard Elmore said Kubiak had a short but relevant criminal history.

He said one offence was quite serious as it involved entering a home just before 3am and stealing car keys.

The prosecutor confirmed to Magistrate David Shepherd that both vehicles stolen in February were recovered after ending up in the possession of someone else.

Defence lawyer Christy Louden said Kubiak had been in jail for his 20th birthday and “has not had the greatest upbringing”.

At the time of his offences he had been homeless and couch surfing, the court heard.

There had also been difficulty in getting bail because the addresses he supplied belonged to people known to the courts.

Mr Shepherd said Kubiak had previous convictions for similar offences including enter premises, stealing, and a weapons charge.

“You are perhaps influenced by others. You are going to have to be your own person and not do what other silly people tell you,” he said.

“You have spent 72 days in custody and I’m sure you would prefer to be elsewhere.”

Kubiak was sentenced to nine months jail and concurrent terms including six months, all suspended for 18-months.

He was placed on an 18-month supervised probation order.