Arthur Robert Martin Carlo sentenced to jail for destructive crime spree across southeast Qld

A South Burnett man who carried out a string of robberies across southeast Queensland in a stolen car blames his mates for his reckless behaviour, despite a magistrate pointing out he was the ringleader.

A South Burnett man involved in a wave of robberies across southeast Queensland has blamed peer-pressure for his spate of criminal exploits.

Arthur Robert Martin Carlo, 22, pleaded guilty to a string of 18 charges racked up between 2019 and 2022, including a wild Wednesday where he stole a car and broke into a string of properties across Tiaro, Kilkivan, Woolooga and Ban Ban Springs and Gayndah.

Kicking off at the Royal Hotel in Tiaro on July 28, Carlo and a group of friends smashed their way into the business through the glass door using a shovel and stole alcohol before heading off to Kilkivan in a stolen black Mazda.

The owners of the Kilkivan General Store woke to a loud bang when Carlo smashed his way into the business using the same shovel and stole cigarettes, ice cream and drinks, before taking off to a tobacconist in Gympie where he took a till filled with about $2000.

Police prosecutor Lisa Manns told the Murgon Magistrates Court Carlo would also face the District Court for an armed robbery at the Woolooga Hotel the same night.

Police will allege the 22-year-old was discovered mid-break by the 90-year-old publican, whom he threatened with a shovel.

Lawyer Lani Olafsson said her client’s bad habits stemmed from alcohol and peer-pressure, however the magistrate was quick to point out Carlo had been hanging out with juveniles.

Carlo pleaded guilty to four counts of entering a premises and committing indictable offence by break, four counts of breaching bail, three counts of failing to appear, two counts of unlawful use, entering a premises and committing indictable offence, entering a premises with intent, entering a dwelling and committing indictable offence, evading a fare, and contravening a police protection notice.

He was sentenced to 15 months in jail with immediate parole, however will be remanded in custody until his District Court matter is finalised.

Carlo was also ordered to pay $478 in compensation for damage done to two businesses.