Jason James Brady pleads guilty in Roma District Court to extortion, stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, knife in public

A Roma man broke into a woman’s home and stole her car before demanding payment in exchange for revealing the location of the vehicle. Here’s what happened in court.

A Roma man has been sentenced for trying to extort a woman for money after stealing her car.

A 25-year-old Roma man charged with a string of dishonesty offences, most notably for trying to extort a woman after breaking into her house, has had his matters heard in court.

Appearing via videolink from custody, Jason James Brady pleaded guilty in Roma District Court to extortion, enter dwelling and commit, burglary, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, carrying a knife in public, driving unlicensed and three counts of stealing.

Crown prosecutor Ashleigh Wakefield told the court that Brady was living with the complainant, his ex-partner’s mother, at the time of his offending.

“At some point on the 18th or 19th November, the defendant entered the complainant’s home and stole the keys to that vehicle. He also stole a bank card,” Ms Wakefield said.

“He then used the keys to access the motor vehicle. He has then subsequently travelled to Mitchell and has essentially conducted fuel drive-offs at two petrol stations.

“The complainant later discovered her car was missing. She tried to contact the defendant but she was unsuccessful.

“She notified police her vehicle had been stolen.”

The court was told the new partner of the victim’s daughter was contacted by Brady, who demanded $200 to reveal the location of the vehicle.

The new partner agreed to meet with the defendant at a Mitchell bank at about midnight the following day where he would provide Brady with $200 in exchange for the vehicle.

Brady told him where the vehicle was and explained the keys were inside it.

The court was told the new partner found the vehicle and on his way back to pay Brady, he alerted patrolling police who followed and witnessed the monetary exchange.

Brady was immediately arrested by police who also found a large hunting knife and discovered his driver’s licence was suspended.

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The court was told Brady has seven prior convictions in Queensland and NSW for drug and property offences and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Defence barrister Jens Streit said his client didn’t have a bank account and his offending stemmed from a monetary dispute with the complainant.

Mr Streit described the offence as “unusual” in the sense that the car was taken but only $200 was demanded for the location of the vehicle.

“Not to skew the statement of facts the Crown has handed up, but in addition to that my instructions are that there was a dispute between the defendant and (the complainant),” he said.

“His Centrelink payment money was going to her bank account and she reportedly refused to give him the money so he took the car.”

Mr Streit said Brady accepted it was an inappropriate way to handle the situation and entered an early plea of guilty.

“He had a disadvantaged upbringing. He’s not (had) a good start in life,” he said.

“I’m instructed that while in custody he’s undertaken training and completed his certificates. He’s also taking a course in numeracy and literacy.

“He hasn’t been idle, he’s done things while in custody to improve his circumstances.”

Judge Ken Barlow KC said while extortion was a serious crime with a high penalty, Brady’s matter was “relatively minor”.

“They certainly were relatively amateur,” Judge Barlow said.

“It did not give rise to any harm to anybody and no damage to the vehicle. The only harm was the $200 from the other person.

“I hope you continue that (studies) and manage to maintain employment upon your release.”

Brady was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment, to be released on parole after serving three months, and disqualified from driving for one month.

All convictions were recorded.