Steve Wederell: Drunk landscaper wreaks havoc at shopping centre

A southeast Queensland landscaper has faced court after he wreaked havoc at a popular shopping precinct and smashed up a number of businesses.

A Windaroo landscaper has landed in court after wreaking havoc at a popular Logan shopping precinct and smashing up businesses.

New Zealand born man Steve Wederell, 45, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Friday to wilful damage, entering premises with intent and entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break.

Windaroo man Steve Wederell, 45, leaving Beenleigh courthouse.

The court heard Wederell had been “significantly intoxicated” when he broke into businesses at a Mount Warren Park shopping precinct late at night on November 16, 2021.

The 45-year-old used a large mental street sign to smash through the entry door of a dental practice business before picking up some rocks and smashing up four windows.

The court heard Wederell then proceeded to the Coles entry doors and shoulder barged them, damaging the doors.

He then proceeded down the shopping complex to Hearing Australia and kicked the business front entry doors, which smashed and gave way for him to enter.

The court heard he went inside and smashed up a display cabinet, reception computer and water cooler.

Wederell’s lawyer told the court he had turned to drugs, including meth, as a way to cope with a relationship breakdown and pain he was experiencing from his hernia.

She said Wederell had been drinking on the night of his offending and couldn’t recollect what happened.

Magistrate Louise Shepard said he had been on parole at the time of the offending.

He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to pay $1496 in compensation.