Kolbe Butler’s drug spiral: From uni degree to 10-page criminal history

A Central Queensland man went from a high school education at a leading college, to university study and a good job, to a drug spiral which saw him rack up a 10-page criminal record.

Kolbe James Langley Butler.

A Central Queensland court has heard how a man’s drug spiral took him from university study and a good job, to a 10-page criminal history.

Kolbe James Langley Butler, 28, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on January 11 to two shoplifting charges.

The court heard that on November 23, Butler was in the Dollars and Sense store at Biloela when he removed a phone charging cable from its packaging, put it in his pocket, and left the store without paying.

Then on December 15, Butler was at the Sportspower Biloela store when he removed two baseball caps from a shelf and placed them under his clothing.

Police prosecutor Kelvin Boyd said Butler left the store without paying and he was confronted by a staff member.

Mr Boyd said Butler then returned one of the caps but left the second cap hidden before walking away.

The prosecution sought restitution of $15 for the phone cable and $50 for the cap.

The court heard Butler had a 10-page criminal history.

Solicitor Lauren Townsend said Butler had been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, was receiving a disability support pension, and living with his parents who both had good jobs.

Ms Townsend said Butler was educated to Year 12 at St Brendan’s College before starting an engineering degree at CQ University.

She said he subsequently worked for Ergon Energy.

“And then unfortunately (he) fell into drugs, as you can see on his history,” Ms Townsend said.

“He’s very embarrassed and ashamed.”

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale told Butler that using drugs or alcohol was not going to make managing his condition any easier.

“Get some goals... and stop this sort of stupidity - walking into a shop and helping yourself,” Ms Beckinsale said.

Ms Beckinsale fined Butler $300 and ordered he pay $65 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.