Jesse William Jones in Maroochydore court for theft from Arcade Box, Coolum

A Sunshine Coast father-of-two has faced court for instructing his toddler to steal a skateboard for their upcoming birthday. Read about his other crimes.

A court has heard how a three-year-old child was used by their father to steal a skateboard from a Coolum store.

Jesse William Jones, 24, was given six months’ prison suspended for 15 months after pleading guilty to two counts of stealing in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

The court heard Jones, who had a nine-page criminal history, was browsing Arcade Box in Coolum on September 27, 2021.

Jones and his partner had exited the store when his three-year-old child ran inside and picked up a $99 skateboard before leaving with it.

Jones was watching the child take the skateboard as the child yelled out, “I’ve got it”.

Jesse William Jones.

When police spoke to Jones on November 17 about the theft, Jones said he had stolen the skateboard because it was the child’s birthday the next day.

Police prosecutor Mark Burrell said Jones also stole six fragrances from Chemist Warehouse at Sunnybank Plaza on October 25, 2021, at 4.55pm.

The total value of the items was $143.95.

Sergeant Burrell said Jones was also caught driving disqualified on two occasions and with drugs in his system on March 4, 2022.

Defence lawyer Rod Morgan said his client had employment prospects of working for a concreting company.

Mr Morgan said Jones was using methamphetamine at the time of the drug driving offence and has been taking steps to reduce his drug use.

Mr Morgan said his client was remorseful and knows he put other drivers at risk.

Magistrate Barry Barrett said Jones had entered early pleas of guilty and ordered he pay $143.95 compensation.

Convictions were recorded.