Sarina man Bryce Daniel Gary Doyle sentenced for stealing car to make it home for curfew

A serial car thief brazenly sped off in someone else’s vehicle after finding the keys in a car park, using it to get back home for his court mandated curfew.

Bryce Daniel Gary Doyle pleads guilty to 22 property offences across Mackay region.

A Sarina father with a history of stealing cars found himself once again in jail, after taking another car to get home for his court appointed curfew.

Bryce Daniel Gary Doyle’s latest offending stint began on April 23, 2024 when, while on parole, he broke into a parked Toyota Hilux and stole a speaker worth $300.

Mackay District Court heard Doyle, 30, has appeared before the court 11 times including in August 2022 when he was jailed for breaking into cars and stealing them, as well as other offences, with parole eligibility on September 7, 2023.

On June 2, 2024 he entered another car and an unidentified male drove him back to his Sarina home - the car was later torched, although Doyle is not accused of any arson.

The court heard Doyle’s offending was captured on CCTV and he told police he was “likely under the influence of drugs at the time” and he was granted bail on June 7, 2024.

Bryce Daniel Gary Doyle pleaded guilty to 22 property offences across Mackay region in August, 2022 and was sentenced by District Judge Ken Barlow.

The final straw came on July 2,2024, when at the Boomerang Hotel in Mackay Doyle found the keys to a Toyota Hilux in the carpark.

He then used the car to drive home and the court heard he claimed it was so he could make it back in time for his bail curfew.

He spent 250 days on remand from July 11, 2024 to March 18, 2025.

Doyle pleaded guilty to charges of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a motor vehicle in company.

Defence barrister Scott McLennan said there were some positive outcomes from his time in custody, including treatment for his drug addiction.

“He’s been working while in custody, he’s been studying and completing a number of modules … he’s seen a psychiatrist,” Mr McLennan said, adding Doyle would organise for treatment to continue upon release.

Doyle was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for offences committed between April 23, 2024 and July 2, 2024

Judge John Coker said he had the impression Doyle understood and accepted the consequences of his offending.

“I note you have a partner, I note you have a young son and you are the only one who can change the direction of your life,” Judge Coker said.

Judge Coker said he found one of the facts “quite incredible” including Doyle’s admission “he stole a car so he could be back in Sarina for his curfew”.

“Rather than breach your curfew requirements you offended in a far more serious way and you now appear before the court,” Judge Coker said.

Judge Coker said he suspected drug use had affected Doyle, who he said was “incredibly fortunate” to have the support of his partner, who was present in court.

The court heard Doyle’s son was born while he was in jail for this offending and Mr McLennan said Doyle was ashamed.

Doyle was jailed for 18 months with immediate parole eligibility.

“Mr Doyle, I hope you deal with this I really do, there are a lot of people counting on you,” Judge Coker said.

Convictions were recorded.