Beau Leonard Gillis pleads guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court

A Caloundra man who spiralled into drug use in the aftermath of his friend’s death was tasered several times after he refused to stop his motorbike, despite efforts by police.

Beau Leonard Gillis appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

A labourer dad who fell back into drug use following the alleged murder of his friend at Dicky Beach was tasered three times after what was described as the “most serious fail to stop”.

Beau Leonard Gillis pleaded guilty in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court to 21 offences on December 9 including serious obstruction of police, disqualified driving, failing to stop a vehicle, driving without due care and attention, possessing dangerous drugs and possession of a replica firearm.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin sentenced Gillis to jail and granted immediate parole given time already served in prison.

Court documents showed on September 6 the 30-year-old was told by police officers to stop riding his motorbike on Ritchie Lane in Caloundra.

As police entered Ritchie Lane they observed the motorbike and pulled up in front of the Caloundra resident.

Beau Leonard Gillis appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court via video link.

Court documents showed that police officers told Gillis to stop.

The court documents stated that Gillis accelerated towards one of the police officers as he was getting out of the police vehicle.

“The male rider has struck the police door with the motorbike and driven up a ramp to a car park,” the documents stated.

An officer followed the rider up the ramp.

The ramp was narrow and Gillis began riding back in the police officer’s direction and the officer again directed him to stop.

According to court documents, the police officer pushed out at Gillis to deflect him and “prevent injury or harm to himself” and this caused the motorbike to fall to the ground.

Court documents showed the police officers tasered Gillis three times during his arrest.

Gillis was also charged on that same day with possessing methamphetamine and carrying syringes that were not properly disposed.

Court documents showed that during his arrest, Gillis also told officers that he was carrying a replica firearm and ammunition.

Police prosecutor Michael Ruddiman said his ultimate submission was for nine to 12 months in prison and that for the fine-only offences he should be convicted and not further punished.

“This is the most serious fail to stop you’re ever likely to read about,” he said.

Solicitor Chantelle Adams said Gillis had a supportive family and partner, and he had fallen back into drug use following the “devastating” murder of his friend at Dicky Beach.

She said before that incident, the father-of-two had engaged with an opioid treatment program for about six months.

She said that prior to his arrest, Gillis had worked as a labourer at the Aura development and also held a tattoo licence.

His period in pre-sentence custody had helped him remain abstinent and he intended to get back into boxing and sport, which helped with his mental and physical health, she said.

Mr McLaughlin said it was “remarkable” he was not charged with dangerous operation of the motorbike following the September 6 incident.

He sentenced Gillis to nine months prison with immediate parole and disqualified him from driving for three years and six months.

Convictions were recorded where penalties were imposed.