Byron Scott Ryks in court for stealing from employer amid pay dispute
A Sunshine Coast man “took matters into his own hands” after his employer left a job in his own home unfinished amidst a pay dispute, a court heard.
Sunshine Coast
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A magistrate accepted there were “unique” circumstances to a theft by a former painter who stole from his employer claiming unpaid superannuation is what spurred his crime.
Byron Scott Ryks, 54, appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 25 and was represented by defence lawyer Bree-Anna Bowtell
Ryks pleaded guilty to stealing as a servant and possessing tainted property.
The offences occurred between September and November, 2023.
Police prosecutor Tara Miles told the court Ryks had been employed by a painting company and was assisting in renovating his own home for which the business was hired to complete for Ryks’ landlord.
She said there was a pay dispute between Ryks and his employer at the time with claims he had been withholding superannuation payments.
When his employer fell ill, Ryks had taken tools, a ladder, scaffolding and other items as compensation in his absence.
Ms Bowtell said Ryks and his employer were hired to do work on his rental home but the job was not completed despite being paid in full.
She told the court Ryks was advised by his landlord the work needed to be completed and he became concerned about the risk of losing his home.
Ryks ultimately “took matters into his own hands” after he spoke to his employer but the job was still left incomplete, the court heard.
The court heard the employer saw his tools advertised on Facebook Marketplace and contacted police but all the items have been sold and were not recovered.
Ms Bowtell said Ryks now works the night shift at a demolition company and takes care of his two children.
Acting magistrates Anna Smith said the offending had a “unique factual basis” and was not derived from “his own greed.”
“I certainly understand the circumstances and the explanation as to how this came about,” she said.
She fined him $1000 and did not record a conviction.
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