Matthew David Oates sentenced for breaking into Discounts Galore, Big Top Shopping Centre
A heartbroken aspiring teacher caused some heartache of his own when he broke into a major Sunshine Coast shopping centre and caused thousands of dollars worth of damage.
Police & Courts
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A heartbroken aspiring educator’s love on the rocks outburst caused some heartache for business owners.
Matthew David Oates blamed a broken heart for his drunken rampage which caused more than $8000 worth of damage after he broke into a variety store in a major Sunshine Coast shopping centre and brought the ceiling down.
The 20-year-old was ordered to complete 150 hours of community service and pay $8426 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to breaking into Discounts Galore in the Big Top Shopping Centre.
The 20-year-old had been kicked out of the Post Office on September 5 when he forced entry into the rear of the shop, Maroochydore Magistrates Court heard on Monday.
Police prosecutor Stuart Lydford said Oates had used an unknown means to get through two fire doors before getting into the shop.
“He has stepped underneath a flashing light, jumped up to pull down the light which was attached to wiring in the ceiling which caused the ceiling panels to break and fall to the ground,” Sergeant Lydford said.
Oates damaged an internal door beyond repair to get into the shop’s office where he pulled more wires through the ceiling.
More panels fell down and spread debris across a printer, table and the floor.
Oates also damaged two CCTV cameras, caused the shops main power to be cut and caused a total of $8426 in damage in just 11 minutes.
After leaving the shop Oates pulled on many other business doors in the shopping centre.
Sergeant Lydford suggested a long period of community service to punish the 20-year-old who had no criminal history.
“He caused massive amounts of damage to an innocent business after being evicted from a nearby bar,” he said.
Duty lawyer Katie Paterson said Oates was very remorseful and had written an apology letter to the business.
Ms Paterson said the recent end of a two-year relationship was behind Oates’ drinking.
“He instructs he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the offending and doesn’t reflect much of the incident,” she said.
She suggested a fine or probation as an appropriate punishment.
Ms Paterson said Oates worked part-time and didn’t have the capacity to pay restitution.
She said a conviction would impact Oates’ hopes to become a teacher.
Magistrate Christopher Callaghan said he believed Oates could pay off the $8426.
No conviction was recorded.
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