Nathan John Eric Morgan jailed for sledgehammer break ins, 11 stolen cars

A Logan man who went on a wild, 20-day crime spree involving 11 stolen cars and a sledge hammer has been sentenced in court.

Nathan John Eric Morgan was jailed for two and a half years at Beenleigh Magistrates Court

A Logan man’s wild, 20-day crime spree involving 11 stolen cars and several burglaries with a sledge hammer and angle grinder has landed him in jail.

Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard that for 20 days in February this year Nathan John Eric Morgan went on a rampage across Redlands, Logan and South Brisbane, causing upwards of $100,000 in damage to buildings and cars.

The 29-year-old Crestmead man targeted bottle stores in Calamvale, an Australia Post in Rochedale South, a Coffee Club in Redlands and a Caltex in Wynnum West.

Morgan also used a car-sharing app to target people’s vehicles, steal them and often damage them.

One time he caused $16,000 in damage to one car and he stole 11 cars during the period.

He also broke into several businesses using a sledgehammer or angle grinder and would then destroy the safe and drawers once inside, stealing cigarettes.

The court heard some safes were valued at $30,000.

Morgan pleaded guilty on Tuesday to 15 charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, entering premises and committing an indictable offence and wilful damage.

Police Prosecutor Tim Wise said Morgan’s offending was a concern to the community.

“His offending involved going to several businesses and using a sledge hammer to wreak havoc,” he said.

Mr Wise said in one example, Morgan hit the same bottle shop in Calamvale four times and caused $20,000 worth of damage to the store.

He was also found in possession of a knife.

Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll said drugs were clearly an issue,

“I accept dangerous drugs are a problem for you,” he said.

“You need to avoid drugs or you will end up in prison again for longer and longer periods.”

Morgan was jailed for two and a half years and will be eligible for parole on February 4, 2024.

He had served 42 days of pre-sentence custody.