Harley Dale: Underwood man, 20, guilty of attempted car theft

An “extremely intoxicated” young southeast Queensland man stole items from a car with the driver inside, but did not make the perfect getaway.

A young Logan thief has been ordered to perform community service after a bumbling theft meant police had no trouble nabbing him red-handed.

Underwood man Harley Raymond Dale, 20, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Tuesday to a single charge of enter premises and commit indictable offence.

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The court heard Dale’s attempted theft occurred about 1.50am on October 24 this year.

The victim in the matter was driving on Wembley Rd at Logan Central when he parked his car at 84 Wembley Rd, just down from the Logan Central Tavern.

Dale entered the vehicle via the passenger door and sat down – it’s unclear whether the pair knew each other – and struck up a short conversation with the victim, the court heard.

Underwood man Harley Raymond Dale, 20. Picture: Alex Treacy

Dale then said, “Oh, a phone and wallet,” and grabbed both alongside a $10 note before bolting from the car.

The victim set off in pursuit, but lost Dale as he jumped over a barbed wire fence near the tavern.

Dale, however, had dropped the stolen items and also, accidentally, his phone, as well as slicing his hand open on the barbed wire fence, the court heard.

Police began patrolling the area a short time later and intercepted Dale.

He initially denied doing anything wrong, but then confessed to having stolen the items.

Defence counsel Jason Voight told the court his client was “highly intoxicated” and barely remembered the incident after a night of “drinking to excess” at a friend’s house.

The court heard he is a lawnmower employed by his father, who was supporting Dale in court.

He was ordered to perform 100 hours’ community service.

No conviction was recorded.