Mackay man faces life in jail after three business break-ins

The court heard the father turned to a life of drugs and crime after his two-year-old child drowned in the family backyard pool

The crime spree of a Mackay father was brought to an abrupt end when he learned his actions could land him a life sentence.

Cameron James Scott faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Friday charged with possessing used utensils and pipes, unlawfully possessing suspected stolen property, contravening a community service order and breaking-in to three businesses.

These included Breathe Wellness Collective on January 24, Champ Resources between February 10 to 13 and Deluxe Shutters and Blinds between February 12 and 15.

Legal Aid Queensland defence solicitor Rosemary Varley said the 34-year-old father of three was living in Innisfail when he separated from his partner of 17 years, and mother of their three children, in 2017.

"Prior to that … in 2011, he and his partner did have a son who at two years of age passed away due to a drowning accident at their home," she said.

"At that point, Mr Scott did fall into drug use … that was the beginning of his experimentation."

Ms Varley said after her client's relationship breakdown, he left his job as a painter to move to Mackay to be closer to his mother and sister where he relapsed as a "coping mechanism".

"He is very remorseful for his offending," Ms Varley said.

Police prosecutor Sabine Scott said prison was the only option left for the defendant with relevant criminal history including convictions in January 2020 for trespass, stealing, attempted fraud and possession of implements.

She said Scott was also convicted in April for breaking and entering a house at night, receiving tainted property and fraud.

"He was given the benefit of a probation order on that occasion. That has been breached," Ms Scott said.

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Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said it was preferable to keep Scott in the community.

"He's not at the point of being a recividist where he should spend more time in custody," Ms Hartigan said.

She told Scott his life had "dramatically changed for the worse" since moving to Mackay and recommended he move back to Innisfail where his life was more stable.

"Your children are four, eight and 15. You have two younger children who definitely need you and a son who's in his teens who needs you even more in my view.

"You have described this yourself as foolishness and I would agree to that.

"I also accept this would have been a wake-up call … and a frightening experience."

Scott, who pleaded guilty to all eight offences including two breaches of bail, was sentenced to 18 months jail minus the 20 days already served in pre-sentence custody.

Ms Hartigan released him on immediate parole and ordered he pay $600 for breaching bail and $1357 in restitution to Deluxe Shutters and Blinds.

Convictions were recorded.

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Originally published as Mackay man faces life in jail after three business break-ins