David Anthony Olive, 32, of Woodridge cops jail for burglary, vehicle theft

A successful, “highly intelligent” tradie’s life devolved to serious crime seemingly overnight after a fling with drugs and marriage break-up, a court has heard.

A formerly successful boilermaker will remain locked up for months after a late-life introduction to drugs sent him nose diving into serious crime that included car theft.

Appearing at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday David Anthony Olive, 32, of Woodridge pleaded guilty to four charges.

They included unlawfully using a vehicle, entering a dwelling to commit an indictable offence, stealing and driving while disqualified.

The court heard Olive had been a successful boilermaker when the break-up of his marriage of 19 years led to a fling and an introduction to drugs in 2020.

A “voluminous” criminal history featuring vehicle theft, burglary and fraud followed.

It crescendoed on March 9 when he broke into a residence and stole a vehicle.

The court heard he did so in order to pay off an alleged $1,000 drug debt owed by his sister under threat of significant violence.

Police prosecutor Tim Wise confirmed Olive had but one entry on his criminal history from 2013 before his “voluminous” offending started in 2020, featuring mostly property crime.

Mr Wise noted the offending was aggravated for occurring on parole, after an 18-month prison sentence handed down in 2021.

Defence solicitor David Gilmore said his “highly intelligent” client’s story was one of unusual tragedy.

Olive had been “completely isolated” and vulnerable following the break-up of his 19-year marriage, when the father-of-two’s life imploded, the court heard.

“He completely fell to pieces and you can see how his criminal history started then,” Mr Gilmore said.

“He quickly met a female with whom he had a brief relationship.

“She introduced him to drugs and he immediately fell into uncontrollable dependence on drugs.

“Leading to everything you can see on his history from 2020 onwards.”

A submission by the defence that Olive had not benefited personally from his March car theft was rejected by the bench.

Magistrate Ron Kilner said Olive’s behaviour, “Offers absolutely no excuse”.

“Why should an innocent person suffer because of your sister’s drug debt?” Mr Kilner asked.

Mr Kilner further denounced Olive for showing “absolutely no regard” or “remorse” to the community for driving while court disqualified and stealing fuel in the stolen vehicle.

With 86 days in pre-sentence custody declared time served, Olive was sentenced to 20 months’ prison and granted a July 8 parole eligibility date.

He was further disqualified from driving for two years.

The court heard the defendant could expect a three-month processing period should he be granted parole in July.