Jordan Charles Maxwell trespassed at his former school, St Brendan’s College, and tore up several football fields by hooning in his car

The Yeppoon-based Catholic secondary school said the damage and repairs would exceed $15,000 after two teenagers drove separate cars across several of its rain-soaked sporting fields under the cover of darkness.

A former St Brendan’s College student has faced court after he and a mate hooned across several of the school’s rain-soaked football fields, tearing them up in the process.

The Yeppoon-based Catholic secondary school said the damage and repairs would exceed $15,000.

Jordan Charles Maxwell, 18, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on February 3 to trespassing and wilful damage.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said about 1.10am on November 21 last year, Maxwell drove his ute into the school grounds at St Brendan’s College.

“Whilst on the premises, he has driven onto the football fields,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“Upon entering the school grounds, the defendant has driven his vehicle onto several football fields and commenced driving in a fashion that caused the vehicle to lose traction.

“Due to the heavy rain that had recently been had, the football grounds were sodden.

“The actions of the defendant caused the vehicle to skid around the field.

“This has caused extensive damage to grass and grounds.

“The defendant continued to do this for about 15 to 20 minutes before leaving.”

Sgt Ongheen said during a police interview, Maxwell made full admissions to attending the school grounds with a co-offender who was in a separate vehicle “with the intention of hooning on the football grounds”.

“The defendant told police that he knew by attending the school in the middle of the night he would be trespassing,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“The defendant further explained to police that he was aware that his manner of driving was causing damage to the grounds, however he continued to do so.”

Maxwell was subsequently arrested, released on bail and ordered to have no contact with his co-offender.

Sgt Ongheen said Maxwell’s co-offender was 17 years old and he was dealt with “by way of a caution” which was a process of law.

The prosecution tendered a quote from St Brendan’s College for the repair work.

“The repair work is currently being undertaken by the school and its ground staff, and as such they have submitted a quote and not an actual bill for repairs,” Sgt Ongheen said.

The court heard that Maxwell had no criminal history.

Solicitor Dominic Jorgensen tendered a reference to the court on behalf of Maxwell, whose parents were present in support of him.

Mr Jorgensen said Maxwell was employed as a labourer and that he had co-operated with police and made full admissions to what he had done.

“He does accept responsibility for his conduct and he’s incredibly remorseful,” Mr Jorgensen said.

“The instructions are that he had attempted to make contact with the school, presumably to apologise, but that had been unsuccessful.

“And he understands the seriousness of his conduct and behaviour on the night in question.”

Mr Jorgensen added: “Quite frankly, he (Maxwell) accepts it was stupid.”

When addressing the matter of restitution, Mr Jorgensen noted the figure that had been submitted by the college was in excess of $15,000 and pointed out the labour component of that was about $11,000.

“When you look at the labour... in relation to all three ovals, it is not a situation where... they (school) had to re-contract people in to do the labour,” Mr Jorgensen said.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale then said: “No, well that’s what I’m looking at. This is a bill from the point of view of how they would break down these costs as a school doing it - they haven’t got an outside person...”

Before handing down penalty, Ms Beckinsale asked for a submission from the prosecution in relation to restitution.

Ms Beckinsale told Maxwell his offending was “a night of silliness” and she ordered he pay $3541 restitution.

She did not fine him as she said the restitution order provided “sufficient deterrence to you and denouncement.”

Ms Beckinsale placed Maxwell on a good behaviour order for six months with a $750 recognisance.

No convictions were recorded.