Jack Thomas Murphy drunken rampage causes Noosaville street blackout

A teenager was experiencing a blackout of a different kind when he smashed the electricity boxes of houses in his Noosaville street causing a power outage and $1500 in damage.

Numerous houses in a Noosaville street lost power after a drunk teenager went on a rampage and damaged three electrical boxes, a court has heard.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin said Jack Thomas Murphy, then 18, became intoxicated and “stupidly” vandalised a number of electricity boxes on August 19 causing $1500 in damage.

The now 19-year-old’s actions caused several homes on the street to lose power and employees from Energex were called to repair the three vandalised electricity boxes.

“You were carrying on like a mad person and when you were arrested you were found in possession of a knife,” Mr McLaughlin said.

Jack Thomas Murphy, 19, was 18-years-old on August 19 when he became intoxicated and “stupidly” vandalised a number of electricity boxes, causing $1500 in damage.

Murphy pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court to public nuisance, wilful damage and possession of a weapon on Friday.

A few days later, Murphy was in the car with his father when he became angry and grabbed the steering wheel, trying to make the car veer off the road.

“What you did in that car that day was terrible behaviour … it was an extremely dangerous thing to do,” Mr McLaughlin told Murphy.

“If it wasn't for you being a young fellow and cleaning up your act you would probably be going to jail today.”

Jack Thomas Murphy, 19, was 18-years-old on August 19 when he became intoxicated and “stupidly” vandalised a number of electricity boxes, causing $1500 in damage.

Murphy also bit his father on the arm causing a minor cut which police later noticed.

While Murphy's father didn’t press charges, Mr McLaughlin said he could have been charged with dangerous operation and assault.

Murphy was on probation at the time of the offending but due to his participation in Court Link programs, he wasn’t breached.

The court heard Murphy had since given up alcohol and was completing work for his neighbours while applying for employment.

Mr McLaughlin sentenced the teenager to 18 months’ probation and didn’t record a conviction.