Logan teen mum Payton Montana Hughes in court for 20-plus charges

A Logan mum and truck driver, who had her first baby when she was 16, has been warned to expect her children will have to visit her in jail if she keeps offending.

Payton Montana Hughes leaving Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

A teen mum who faced court for more than 20 charges including theft, has been warned her children will visit her in jail if she keeps offending.

Park Ridge South’s Payton Montana Hughes, 25, committed 24 offences over less than a year, including stealing from Target at Browns Plains, possessing meth, a knife and false registration plates, unlawfully possessing a first aid kit and keys, as well as several traffic offences.

“The offences are indicative of someone who has a drug problem,” police prosecutor Tahlia Boettcher told Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

“There are a small amount of drugs involved.

“The unlawful use charge would be the most significant in which she has taken those car keys.”

Lawyer Isabelle MacNicol said Hughes, who pleaded guilty today (March 29) to the 24 charges, had drug addiction and mental health issues.

“She is diagnosed with a split personality disorder, bipolar and schizophrenia,” Ms MacNicol said.

“She is obviously a person who needs assistance.

“She reports she used methamphetamine during the period of offending.

“She has struggled since to get her life back in order.”

Ms MacNicol said her client, who had her first child at 16, worked as a truck driver in her mother’s company.

“She has the support of her family,” she said.

“She did have her first daughter when she was 16.

“She started working for her mum’s company, called Reconnect Group, which is an interstate transport business trucking.”

Magistrate Gary Finger said Hughes had one final chance.

“You’ve been here now five times since November,” Mr Finger said.

“This is the last step before you go to prison.

“If you want your two children to visit you there, keep going on your merry way.”

Hughes was convicted and received 18 months’ probation.

For all traffic charges she was fined a total of $1222.

Convictions were recorded.