Grant Raymond Evans sentenced for breaking and entering at Glenella home

A Mackay father of two says he stole a washing machine and dryer from a home because his appliances had “sh*t” themselves.

After stealing a washer and dry, Grant Evans will be fined $600 and released on parole, probation. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A father of two who said he was trying to recover his rental bond, travelled to a Glenella property, broke in and stole a washer and dryer.

Grant Raymond Evans was arrested by police three days after the break in and found himself in Magistrates Court on September 12.

“People’s houses are their castles,” Magistrate Dwyer told Evans.

“If you want to go out walking around some street in Mackay looking for a washing machine and dryer to knock off because you’re moving house then you pay the penalty.”

The court heard police were called to the house in question on June 27 at 8.45am after receiving a complaint an unknown suspect unlawfully entered the property and stole a washer and dryer from the downstairs area.

CCTV footage from a neighbouring property captured a green KIA Sportage driving from the location.

Police were able to identify Evans as the male driver of the vehicle from the cars registration and on June 30 executed a search warrant at his Shakespeare St address.

An Electrolux clothes dryer was located in the front courtyard of Evans’ residence, and he was subsequently arrested.

Evans shares custody of his children with his former partner. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The court heard when questioned about the offences Evans said words to the effect of “I’m moving house and I’m trying to find bond and my washing machine sh*t itself, my dryer sh*t itself.”

“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Evans said.

“I know this was stupid.”

When questioned further, Evans revealed he sold the washing machine for an unknown sum and was subsequently charged with fraud – dishonesty gain dishonestly gaining financial benefit from the stolen item.

The court also heard Evans had driven the KIA while disqualified from holding a licence, as well as while the vehicle’s insurance and registration had lapsed.

Barron and Allen Lawyers defence solicitor Aaron Sellentin asked Evans to be ordered to perform community service rather than be imprisoned as these were his first offences.

“Mr Evans is the father of two children … is single, 41 years of age,” Mr Sellentin said.

“He recently broke his arm falling off his push bike … and last worked three months ago.”

Magistrate Dwyer said Evans’ custody of his children as well as the financial and social strains he was under at the time were exculpatory matters in his consideration.

“Quite frankly you’ve got no history at all,” Magistrate Dwyer said.

“Which indicates to me this is an aberration in your behaviour rather than a character trait.

“For that reason, I’m not sending you to prison today.”

“The main reason you’re not going to prison today is that you’ve got no previous, you have now.

“If you want to do it again you know what's going to happen.”

Evans pleaded guilty to all charges.

He was ordered to pay $600 in restitution to the victim and to serve 180 hours of unpaid community service.

He was also disqualified from holding or acquiring a driver's license for a period of four years.

Convictions were recorded.