Eric Oberleuter, 33, Logan Central, jailed for assault and robbery of disability pensioner

An elderly man on a disability pension has shared the devastating effects a violent car thief’s offending has had on him.

Eric John Tongia Oberleuter leaving the Brisbane Supreme Court. Picture: Steve Pohlner

An elderly man on a disability pension has shared the devastating effects a violent car thief’s offending has had on him.

Eric John Tongia Oberleuter, 33, pleaded guilty to 18 charges in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 30.

The court heard the Logan Central father of three stole the man’s silver Mini Cooper on November 26 last year.

In a victim impact statement tendered to the court, the elderly man said the missing car had caused him serious troubles.

“As a pensioner it was impossible to replace, I couldn’t get help from anyone,” he said.

“The car cost $15,000.”

The court heard that, in total, four cars, a phone and a wallet were stolen by Oberleuter.

He pleaded guilty to 18 charges including possession of drugs, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possession of a knife and assault occasioning bodily harm.

The court heard the assault happened on November 10 last year when Oberleuter approached a man on the street and talked about buying drugs.

He introduced himself as “Easy’’ and punched the victim in the mouth, while holding a knife.

Oberleuter then used the knife to cut a bag from the male victim’s shoulders, which had $500 in it.

Magistrate Mark Howden said the offending was concerning.

“You committed two sets of very serious offences while on parole,” he said.

“I could have suspended your sentence but you committed these offences while on parole so it’s not appropriate.”

Oberleuter was sentenced to 12 months’ prison and was eligible for parole immediately.

His driver’s licence was also disqualified for six months.

Oberleuter had already served 185 days in pre-sentence custody.