Joseph Stafford in Biloela court for stolen car offence

A court has heard how a group of friends were involved in stealing a car and using it in two attempted fuel drive-offs before dumping it in bushland.

Joseph Raynard Stafford, 20, faced Biloela Magistrates Court.

A young Central Queensland man has been left significantly out of pocket after he faced court for his involvement in a stolen car crime.

Joseph Raynard Stafford, 20, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on July 5 to using a motor vehicle without consent and possessing tainted property.

The court heard the more serious of Stafford’s offences, the motor vehicle charge, happened on June 5.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said about 9.30pm on that day, an unknown offender went to a house at Thalberg Ave, Biloela, and got into the victim’s unlocked Ford Kuga.

“And they used keys that were in the vehicle to start it and steal it,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“That vehicle was subsequently dumped in bushland near Gladstone Rd at Biloela.”

Sgt Ongheen said during their investigation, police established that the stolen Kuga had been used in two attempted fuel drive-offs at Duaringa and Banana.

“Police obtained CCTV from Puma Service Station at the corner of Bowen and Charles St, Banana,” Sgt Ongheen said.

The prosecutor said that footage showed the stolen car arrive at the service station at 10.24pm and Stafford got out of it.

The footage also showed Stafford unsuccessfully try to open the vehicle’s fuel cap “several times” before he fled the scene, the court heard.

Joseph Raynard Stafford.

The court was told the possessing tainted property charge stemmed from Stafford being found wearing a golfing glove that had been stolen by his friends from a Sportspower store at Biloela.

Sgt Ongheen said the owner of the stolen car did not have comprehensive car insurance and the prosecution sought $1147.06 restitution for the cost of towing and a replacement car key.

The court heard that Stafford had a single entry on his criminal history - a prohibition of liquor offence.

Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Stafford had not acted alone in the offences and there “were others involved”.

Ms Wieland said Stafford, who was receiving a disability support pension, was remorseful for his actions.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale placed Stafford on six months’ probation and she ordered he pay $1147.06 restitution.

No conviction was recorded.