‘Longstanding’ meth addict busted with stolen car sentenced
A ‘longstanding meth addict’ who has been in and out of custody has been sentenced after being busted in a damaged, stolen car last year.
Warwick
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A ‘longstanding meth addict’ who has been in and out of custody has been sentenced after being busted in a damaged, stolen car last year.
Brandon Clay Hill arrived to Warwick District Court from custody on Wednesday afternoon, pleading guilty to three charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one charge of stealing.
The 27-year-old had been in custody since his arrest on November 15 last year, after being caught by officers at a Gympie motel with a stolen cars and keys.
The court was told officers discovered the car had been damaged, which included the removal of solar panels and canopy on the vehicle.
Hill’s spree began on November 5, at Warwick, the man driving a stolen car, approached a service station, filling up his car and driving away.
Days later on November 7, police saw the man in a different stolen vehicle, and when they attempted to approach the man – he drove away fleeing the scene.
Crown prosecutor Sam Rigby detailed how none of the complainants were known to the man.
“He has an extensive criminal history, including entries for violence, burglary offences and domestic violence,” Mr Rigby said.
The man’s “lengthy criminal history” stemmed from a longstanding meth addiction, defence lawyer Jess Goldie said.
Judge John Allen KC noted the man had made a difference since being in custody, being abstinent from drugs since he was on remand.
“It is a positive you are hoping to obtain employment in the interest of the wider community … it’s up to you to get off meth,” Judge Allen said.
Judge Allen declared the 315 days Hill had spent in custody as time served, and sentenced him to 315 days imprisonment concurrent for all offences.
The man was released on parole, however, was taken back into custody on remand for other alleged offences.
It is understood Hill will be remanded in custody until November 28, to appear in Toowoomba Court on other offences.
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