John Junior Carkeet, 25, Woodridge, jailed in Beenleigh Court for attack on elderly neighbour

A Logan man has been blasted by a judge for the “disgraceful’’ robbery and bashing of an elderly neighbour who had been his father figure. He then fled with a stolen car and wrote it off.

John Junior Carkeet faced Beenleigh District Court for a break and enter and bashing of his elderly nieghbour. Pic - break and enter generic

A Logan man has been blasted by a judge for the “disgraceful’’ robbery and bashing of an elderly neighbour before he fled with a stolen car and crashed it.

John Junior Carkeet, 25, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh District Court on Tuesday, September 26 to enter dwelling with intent to break, serious assault of a person over 60 and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

The court heard that on March 27 last year Carkeet went to his 75-year-old former neighbour’s house in Woodridge.

The elderly man had been a father figure and guide to Carkeet as a youth.

Carkeet, from Woodridge, broke into the home through the flyscreen front door and started rummaging through the draws for jewellery and items to steal and sell for drugs.

The elderly victim saw Carkeet and confronted him before he was punched in the face.

Carkeet then stole the man’s car keys and attempted to drive away.

Neighbours came to the victim’s aid and barricaded Carkeet in, but he managed to flee from the scene in the stolen car.

The court heard the next day Carkeet returned the car keys but demanded $500.

The car was later found on the side of the road by police. It had to be written off.

Prosecutor Aden Tranent said it was not a regular home invasion or burglary type offence.

“This isn’t a typical burglary, it is more aggravated as its targeted and he knew the victim,” he said.

The court heard Carkeet had already served 18 months of pre-sentence custody and hoped to repair his relationship with his mother once released from jail.

He hoped to gain ticketing qualifications and start building a career.

Judge Bernard Porter said Carkeet took advantage of the victim’s gratitude and betrayed his trust.

“You repaid his kindness with cruelty and that is something you should be ashamed of,” he said.

“It was a scary assault for an elderly person and the destruction of any person’s property in the community should be treated seriously.

“I do believe however that you have potential to be a positive contributor to society. This is your last chance.”

Carkeet was sentenced to three years’ prison but released immediately on parole.

He had already served 18 months of pre-sentence custody.