Luke Stanley Cholava pleads guilty to stealing sex toys from Diva’s Den

A father of five was caught red handed pinching a variety of sex toys from a Mackay adult shop during a two-month crime spree.

A kinky tradie was caught red handed pinching a variety of sex toys worth $270 from an adult shop in Mackay during a two-month crime spree.

Luke Stanley Cholava visited The Diva’s Den about six times, swiping at least eight adult toys from the Wood St store.

As Magistrate Damien Dwyer read through the statement of facts he said, “I’m being educated here … all these items he’s stolen.”

Luke Stanley Cholava stolen multiple items from The Diva's Den on Wood St.

Mackay Magistrates Court heard the total cost of the stolen sex toys was $271.68.

The 45-year-old qualified panel beater pleaded guilty to 16 charges including the multiple counts of stealing from The Diva’s Den, as well as drug-driving, possessing drugs and utensils, failing to appear and breaching bail.

On leaving the Brisbane St courthouse the father of five tried to hide behind a pillar to avoid having his photograph taken while his daughter, who attended court in support, yelled abuse at media.

“Regard to the stealing matters … there’s no excuse, and there was no reason behind taking the items,” Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Rosie Varley said.

“It wasn’t very sophisticated.”

“It definitely wasn’t opportunistic, it was stupid, it was idiotic,” Mr Dwyer said.

The court heard despite Cholava having two prior entries for stealing on his criminal history he was not charged with the aggravated offence on this occasion, which would have pushed the maximum penalty from three years to 10 years jail.

“It could have happened to you with that last offence, it’s just the police officer didn’t do it,” Mr Dwyer said.

Ms Varley argued a jail term was a last resort stating her client had never before received imprisonment as a penalty.

“He’s got a history of dishonesty and property related matters in Victoria and he has brought the crime scene to Queensland,” Mr Dwyer said.

The father of five went to the store at least six times between January and March, 2021.

“I think a period of imprisonment is inevitable.

“Enough is enough, you’ve got to learn. You’re not a kid anymore.”

The court heard some of the offences had been committed while on probation.

Ms Varley said her client now had stable accommodation and had started his own panel shop one month prior.

“He’s hoping to grow the business and perhaps employ people in the future,” she said.

She added her client had been diagnosed with bipolar and depression, but had re-engaged with his GP since the offending.

Mr Dwyer told Cholava: “It’s time to grow up. I’m 64 years of age … I’ve never heard of half these things you’re knocking off. Get a life.”

Cholava was jailed for six months, wholly suspended for two years.

He was fined $3500 and ordered to pay $271.68 restitution.

He was also disqualified from driving for eight months.

Convictions were recorded.