Keith Edward Cameron in court over wilful damage charge

A Sunshine Coast man who worked for former prime ministers in his 27-year career as a chauffeur was busted on CCTV committing sneaky crime. Find out how he was caught.

The former chauffeur of prime ministers and premiers who was busted scratching a luxury car in a Sunshine Coast resort said he had no memory of committing the crime.

Keith Edward Cameron, 82, was placed on a good behaviour bond after he pleaded guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday to one count of wilful damage on December 22, 2021.

The retiree who transported prime ministers and premiers in his 27-career working for the Victorian and federal governments was caught on CCTV using keys to scratch a black Lexus in an underground car park at Aquarius Resort Alexandra Headland

Solicitor Justin Craven said Cameron who was a grandfather and husband of 60 years identified himself in the CCTV footage but maintained he had no memory of damaging the car.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman said the owner of Lexus noticed the a scratch on the bonnet before the resorts management team found CCTV footage of the incident.

“The male person … takes out a shiny silver item from his right pocket, transferred it to his left hand before appearing to use it to scratch the bonnet,” he said.

Keith Edward Cameron was placed on a good behaviour bond after he pleaded guilty to one count of wilful damage.

Sergeant Newman said police searched Cameron’s home on January 25, 2022 and found several clothing items which matched those worn by the man in the CCTV.

He asked for Cameron to pay $825.22 in restitution.

Mr Craven said Cameron had pleaded guilty early, was remorseful and had no criminal history.

“His plea of guilty demonstrates his remorse, contrition, acceptance of responsibility and willingness to assist with the course of justice,” he said.

Mr Craven said the behaviour was out of character for the grandfather.

He asked for Cameron to be placed on a good behaviour order and for no conviction to be recorded.

Magistrate Rod Madsen placed Cameron on a $750 good behaviour bond for nine months.

No convictions were recorded.