Tyler Lyle Lindsey Cone sentenced for crime spree

An armed meth addict attempted a bold escape after a “menacing” month-long crime spree saw him deliberately hit a pedestrian.

A Nambour meth addict armed himself with a gun, stole multiple cars, reversed into a police car and deliberately hit a pedestrian during an “erratic, volatile and menacing” crime spree.

Tyler Lyle Lindsey Cone was sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ prison with an immediate parole eligibility date after he pleaded guilty to over 40 charges including, arson, four counts of unlawfully using a car, five counts of stealing and dangerous driving between January 12 and February 7, 2020.

Crown prosecutor Rebecca Marks said Cone’s behaviour was “erratic, volatile and menacing” when he deliberately hit a pedestrian who had confronted him about driving a stolen Audi on the wrong side of the road on February 3.

“ … (Cone) drove quickly towards him which caused that pedestrian to jump on the bonnet to avoid being dragged under the car,” she said.

“As a result of being struck that victim suffered a broken wrist as well as lacerations to his knees and back pain.”

Ms Marks said Cone fired a gun into the air while confronting a Bli Bli man on January 27, 2020 and used a similar weapon to steal a Range Rover on January 14, 2020.

“He approached the complainant who was in her Range Rover car in the driveway of her house. He told her to get out of the car and tapped the barrel of the rifle against the window,” she said.

“She complied and he got in the car and immediately drove away.”

Just over an hour later Cone also caused $17,000 worth of damage when he lit a stolen hire car on fire in Ilkley bushland.

Towards the end of his month-long crime spree the now 25-year-old stole a handbag, car keys and two BMWs from a north Brisbane home on February 7, 2020 before he was ultimately arrested at his residence.

Police had surrounded Cone’s home when he attempted to escape in one of the stolen BMWs.

“He started the car and quickly accelerated through a closed garage door and reversed into an unmarked police car, striking with significant force,” Ms Marks said.

“He accelerated heavily causing his wheels to smoke, effectively doing a burnout, and drove forward however he struck a support post.”

The BMW Cone was driving was written-off and contained a gun, face masks, duct tape and other items.

Cone also committed “numerous” fuel drive-offs while driving the several stolen cars.

The court heard he was on parole, a suspended sentence and was disqualified from driving at the time of the offences.

Tyler Lyle Lindsey Cone, 25, has been sentenced for a menacing crime spree. Picture Social media/file.

Ms Marks said Cone had history of similar offending and had received many community-based punishments that failed to deter him.

She said a prison sentence of about five years was an appropriate punishment and could be coupled with a five-year disqualification from driving.

Barrister Kim Bryson told Judge Glen Cash the former Nambour High School student had a troubled childhood and became addicted to methamphetamine at a young age.

Ms Bryson said Cone, who endured reduced visitation rights and strict Covid-19 lockdowns while on remand for two years, spiralled back into heavy drug use prior to his offending.

She said Cone had hopes of addressing his drug issues, gaining employment and staying busy in the community.

Ms Bryson asked for a prison sentence of no greater than five years to be imposed with an immediate parole eligibility date.

She also suggested the sentence could be partially suspended and combined with a probation order.

Ms Bryson said a five-year disqualification period could impact Cone's ability to get and maintain employment.

She suggested a three-year driving disqualification.

Mr Cash warned Cone his future was bleak if he continued with drug use.

“I’m sure you have associates who have killed themselves on drugs already and that's something which is potentially in your future if you get back on using drugs this time,” he said.

Five hundred and seventy four of Cone’s 710 days of pre-sentence custody was declared as time already served.

The suspended sentence given to Cone on November 30, 2018 in Maroochydore Magistrates court was activated.