Ian Duane Armstrong sentenced in court for unlawful use of motor vehicles

A teenager has been sentenced in a Rockhampton court after he took the car keys of a person whose house he was staying at, was involved in two fuel drive offs and took money from another person who was trying to help him.

Ian Duane Armstrong. Picture: Facebook

A teenager has been sentenced in a Rockhampton court after he took the car keys of a person whose house he was staying at, was involved in two fuel drive offs and took money from another person who was trying to help him.

Ian Duane Armstrong, 19, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on January 20 to four counts of stealing, two counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles, and one count each of possess utensils or pipes that had been used, failure to appear in accordance with undertaking and possessing dangerous drugs.

Police prosecutor David Longhurst said Armstrong stole keys from an address and drove the vehicle around, stole cash and was involved in two fuel drive offs.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale said Armstrong was staying at a person’s house and helped himself to their vehicle.

Ms Beckinsale said another person tried to help him, and he took $380 cash.

“People are going to be questioning whether they want to be associated with you,” she said.

Mr Longhurst said when police spoke to Armstrong regarding the offences, they searched him and found 2g of marijuana.

Defence lawyer Brendon Selic said his client had his 19th birthday while in custody.

Armstrong was sentenced to six months’ prison with immediate release on parole and 40 days pre-sentence custody declared as time served.

Criminal convictions were recorded.