Anuisha John Bone pleads guilty to aggravated stealing over copper wire theft

A failed thief has avoided having to shell out $5000 for damage done when he and a mate tried to pinch reels of copper wire. Read what happened here.

A failed thief who tried to cash in on a $5000 copper wire payday has avoided spending any more time behind bars.

The 32 year old convicted criminal claims a mate, who was recently out of jail, phoned him about a job and he “made the poor decision” to go along with it.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard CCTV cameras captured the pair entering Ergon Energy property after cutting open a fence and attempting to steal reels of copper wire worth about $5392.

But they were disturbed – the co-offender fled while Anuisha John Bone was pinched.

Prosecutor Rob Beamish said Ergon Energy was seeking just more than $5000 in restitution for damage to the fence.

“Our facts indicated there was one hole in the fence,” Mr Beamish said.

“I’ve gone on to query Ergon as to how they arrived at $5000 to fix one hole in the fence, which from the photos appear they have just tied wire around to piece it back together.

“They went on to explain that there was more damage caused, but again those aren’t in the facts tendered to the court.”

The court heard Bone had been on suspended jail terms at the time for violence including assault and he had entries in his criminal history for fraud and stealing.

“Why did he get involved in this?” Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan asked.

“He was pressed financially at the time. He tells me he was contacted by a friend who had just gotten out of jail,” defence solicitor Peter Clark said.

“He made the poor decision of going along with that suggestion.”

The co offender was charged with aggravated enter premises and stealing property worth more than $5000, while Bone was only charged with the latter.

Mrs Hartigan questioned why Bone, who now worked as a labourer in Rockhampton, avoided the more serious charge.

“The footage was seen to show two offenders in the yard who were removing the reels,” Mrs Hartigan said.

“I can’t explain that your honour,” Mr Beamish told the court.

Mr Clark said the co offender “gave chase”, while his client stopped. The court heard Mr Bone’s co-offender was jailed for 21 months and received a parole eligibility date because he had been on parole.

Bone pleaded guilty to the serious stealing charge from September 2020, as well as failing to appear in court and possessing a drug item.

Mrs Hartigan said the offence was premeditated “because implements were taken to cut through the fence”.

Bone was jailed for 12 months but granted immediate parole. His suspended sentence was extended for 12 months. Convictions were recorded.

“I won’t order restitution – I’m sure Ergon has insurance but more importantly you’re not the person charged with entering premises,” Mrs Hartigan said.