Tarik James Tyson in Maroochydore court for theft, unlawful use of car

A young Sunshine Coast addict who ran from cops after stealing a case of eight watches from a stranger’s home has spent more of his adult life in jail than in the community.

A young Sunshine Coast thief who has spent more of his adult life in jail than in the community has recently reoffended by breaking into a house and stealing a case of watches.

Tarik James Tyson, 22, was given two years’ prison with a parole eligibility date of February 6, 2023 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman told the court Tyson was a passenger in a stolen car on May 6 that had been taken on May 4, 2022.

Tyson was then involved in a nighttime burglary offence on May 6, while the victim was inside their home.

Sergeant Newman said a display case containing eight watches and a pair of sunglasses was taken after 9pm.

“Police were called to the location and the offenders have been seen running through backyards and attempting to enter residences,” Sergeant Newman said.

Tarik James Tyson, 22, was given two years’ prison with a parole eligibility date of February 6, 2023 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Officers were unable to find the offenders on the night, but a member of the public handed in the stolen property after it had been dropped by the thieves.

The court heard a forensic examination revealed Tyson’s fingerprints on the stolen property.

Defence lawyer Rod Morgan said his client had a difficult upbringing where he was exposed to substance abuse from a young age.

“He has been engaged with substance abuse since the age of 12,” Mr Morgan said.

“Drugs have been his primary issue and upon his release that's really what he needs to get on top of.”

Mr Morgan said after Tyson was released on parole for his previous offending he reconnected with his mother but also met up with his friends who were involved with drugs and offending behaviour.

Tarik James Tyson, 22, was given two years prison with a parole eligibility date of February 6, 2023 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Tyson – a 22-year-old man with a significant eight-page criminal history – stole the watches just two days after his release on parole, which Sergeant Newman said was an aggravating factor.

Sergeant Newman also pointed out his history of committing offences of dishonesty, violence and robbery.

Tyson had in the past been sentenced for four previous unlawful use of a motor vehicle charges and three previous break and enters.

He pleaded guilty to the fresh charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling and commit indictable offence on June 7, 2022.

Magistrate Raelene Ellis said the burglary was a “terrible” invasion of privacy in a place where homeowners should feel safe.

“He’s spent more time in jail than out of,” Ms Ellis told the court.

“You’ve clearly cycled in and out of prison for most of your adult life.

“It’s a shame, he should be having a good life rather than spending his life in jail.”

She recorded convictions against Tyson.