Serial Ipswich thief Brendon Cahill targets sex shop during crime spree

An Ipswich man on parole for stealing can’t seem to stop himself from shoplifting after targeting a sex shop, Bunnings and an unsuspecting woman at the South Bank Parklands.

Brendon Zaclon Timothy Cahill

An Ipswich man spent 71 days in presentence custody after he was busted stealing a number of items while on probation for stealing another 17 times.

During the petty crime spree, the Ipswich Magistrates Court heard that Brendon Zaclon Timothy Cahill stole from a vulnerable member of the community at an Ipswich Bunnings.

Brendon Zaclon Timothy Cahill

Cahill stole a pair of bolt cutters so he could then take a mobility shooter parked at the store which caused distress to the owner.

Cahill was also caught on CCTV at the South Bank Parklands snatching a woman’s purse with his girlfriend.

The woman had no criminal history and was charged and fined for her involvement, although no conviction was recorded.

The court heard Cahill also targeted a sex shop and JB Hi-Fi where the 22-year-old Ipswich man stole $658 worth of items.

Later when questioned by police, Cahill said he was sticking to his right to the 5th amendment despite being an Australian and committing the crimes locally.

On Tuesday, January 18, Cahill pleaded guilty to possessing drugs, possessing drug utensils, five counts of stealing, failing to appear at court, contravening the direction of police and a probation order.

Brendon Zaclon Timothy Cahill

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Bridie O’Shea said Cahill’s crimes were opportunistic and unsophisticated and he was “knocking on the door” of prison if he continued to offend.

Cahill’s legal representation said his client was born into a ‘turmoil’ and had a difficult childhood and adolescence which led to PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The court heard from corrections who oversaw Cahill’s probation and a spokeswoman said he had not been engaging with his obligations.

Magistrate Robert Walker said because of Cahill’s youth he may benefit from a community based order and if he engaged with the additional support he had a good chance at rehabilitation.

Magistrate Walker sentenced Cahill to a seven month intensive corrections order to be carried out in the community.