Youth sentenced to probation for string of Kingaroy burglaries

A 17-year-old has been sentenced in Kingaroy Children’s Court after a one-day crime spree, which included burglary, theft and a brazen robbery at the Carrollee Hotel.

Carrollee Hotel

A teenager was sentenced at Kingaroy Children’s Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to six charges, including robbery, burglary, and theft.

Prosecutor Miranda Hickey said on January 19, 2024, the 17-year-old was involved in a one-day crime spree across Kingaroy with a small group of other youths.

She said the group stole a Toyota Yaris from a Kingaroy address before driving to another house where they stole a duffel bag containing clothing and a laptop.

Their crime spree continued with the theft of tools from a car in a driveway.

Later that night, after 9pm, the group broke into an elderly woman’s home while she was present, stealing a bag and a wallet.

The most serious offence happened at the Carrollee Hotel drive-through, where the teenage defendant drove the car while at least one of the other youths threatened to kill the attendant and stole a till containing over $3000.

The group fled quickly after the attendant confronted them.

A teenager was sentenced for his involvement in robbing the Carrollee Hotel drive-through in January.

The teenager was arrested on January 29, 10 days after the crime spree, and spent 88 days in detention before being released on bail.

Ms Hickey noted the boy’s history of five previous probation orders and one previous detention order.

During the crime spree, he was already on probation, a community service order, and a conditional release order.

Defence lawyer Clem Van Der Weegen said since the crime spree, the boy had made significant progress, completing court-assigned courses and obtaining trade certificates.

“He doesn’t want to be back before the court … he is enjoying his freedom, he wants to get on with his life, he wants to make a fresh start,” Mr. Van Der Weegen said.

He also highlighted the youth’s exposure to domestic violence and drug use by his parents during his childhood, noting a history with the Department of Child Safety.

Kingaroy Magistrates Court. File Photo.

Judge Vicki Loury KC acknowledged the impact of the boy’s upbringing on his behaviour.

“If you commit a robbery when you’re 18, you will go to adult jail,” Judge Loury said.

“I have to punish you but I also want to help you. You did some bad things but you’re not a bad person.

“You want to change your life, you want to be a good man,” she said.

Judge Loury said further detention wouldn’t be beneficial, and instead opted to impose a nine-month probation order.

“You can turn your life around and you’re on the right path now. Stay away from the people that lead you astray, stay away from drugs, and get a job,” she said.

No convictions were recorded.