Elton Duane Connors: Screwdriver-wielding ransacker sentenced to prison for home burglaries across Brisbane, Logan

A court has heard how the father of two and former hospital worker fell into a life of addiction, crime and homelessness. 

An opportunistic burglar who targeted homes across Brisbane and Logan was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Elton Duane Connors, 43, appeared via video link from custody to plead guilty to 21 charges, including five burglaries, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and multiple drugs charges.

The court heard Connors, a father of two and former hospital wardsman, fell into a life of addiction, crime and homelessness when his marriage broke down seven years ago.

Connors would often break into the homes at around 5pm, according to police.

While in the grips of his addiction Connors is alleged to have committed a number of burglaries in New South Wales, where he remains a wanted man.

In Queensland Connors came to the attention of the law on November 18, when he broke into a home in Kingston to steal personal items.

According to a spokeswoman from Queensland Police Media, Connors smashed his way in through the sliding door and conducted a frenzied search of the home, leaving clothing and personal items scattered everywhere.

The occupant of the home returned after 10pm to find a bag full of her belongings abandoned in the backyard, indicating Connors had accidentally dropped it on the way out.

Connors struck again at a Stafford home on December 10, this time using a screwdriver to break in.

The occupant of the home returned at around 5pm to find Connors rummaging through her belongings.

He took off with her jewellery, perfume and an empty iPhone box.

The court heard Connors also stole from a home in Loganlea on November 30 and a home in Loganholme on November 21.

Connors’ lawyer told the court her client stole the items to fund his drug habit and noted none of the burglaries involved the use of violence.

He was sentenced to a head sentence of 12 months imprisonment, with 108 days served in presentence custody and immediate parole release.