Moreton Bay chef Brian James Lovett faces court over 200 thefts

A Beachmere man and qualified chef with more than 200 offences of dishonesty on his history, was back before court for a two month spree of thefts.

Court documents reveal Lovett went on a stealing spree at a number of businesses and locations between February and March, 2023. Picture: File​

A qualified chef and former Woolworths truck driver stole a metal detector, fuel, cleaning products and more, from businesses across Brisbane while he was on a suspended sentence, a court has heard.

Brian James Lovett, 57, appeared via videolink in Caboolture Magistrates Court on October 13, 2023, charged with two counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence, five counts of stealing, two counts breach of bail condition, two counts of possessing dangerous drugs and one failed to appear in accordance with an undertaking.

Court documents reveal Lovett went on a stealing spree at a number of businesses and locations between February and March, 2023.

On February 3, Lovett stole an Alpine speaker from Autobarn Caboolture.

On February 21, he took a 10 pack of Jack Daniels pre-mix drinks from BWS Burpengary.

At Supercheap Auto, Burpengary on February 22, Lovett stole a generator and two battery charges.

On March 13, Lovett stole fuel from EG Fuel Co Caboolture on Morayfield Road.

Court documents reveal Lovett went on a stealing spree at a number of businesses and locations between February and March, 2023. Picture: File

At BCF Caloundra on March 15, Lovett stole a metal detector.

On March 16, 2023 at Virgina, Lovett entered the premises and stole property from Peppertown at 5/1908 Sandgate Road.

On the same day, Lovett stole cleaning products from Ampol, on Beachmere Rd, Caboolture.

On March 20, Lovett stole diesel from 7 Eleven Caboolture on Beerburrum Rd.

Court documents also reveal Lovett had methylamphetamine on March 25, 2023 at Maroochydore and cannabis on December 16, 2022 at Ningi.

Police prosecutor Catherine Dryburgh told the court when looking at Lovett’s extensive history, “it’s fair to say he’s a thief”, with more than 240 dishonesty offences on his Queensland criminal history.

“His history is littered with dishonesty offences expanding 40 years and I would suggest the defendant has made his position well and truly clear, with respect to the law,” Ms Dryburgh said.

“He takes it anyway without any regard to the lawful owners and the impact his offending has on the community.

“What is also apparent in viewing his history, is the defendant does not appear to do particularly well on court orders.

“Breaching his community service order, probation, he’s been given the advantage of extensions to his suspended sentences and after exhausting parole release dates and eligibility dates, it appears the defendant remains undeterred in his offending.

“An aggravating feature of the offending before the court today is the offences were all committed while the defendant was subject to a suspended sentence, that was made on July 8, 2022, for drug offending.

“Given the nature of the property items stolen in a number of the fresh matters, I suggest it’s not a long bow to draw, to suggest the property offences were committed to fund the defendant’s ongoing drug addiction.”

Lovett’s lawyer Farah Haddad told the court that on both occasions where Lovett entered a premises and committed an indictable offence, he was not the prime offender.

Mr Haddad also told the court Lovett was born and raised in Brisbane, completed school up until Year 8 and had four children, three of whom were aged in their 30s.

“He’s on a support pension due to PTSD,” Mr Haddad said.

“He tells me that he led a business in growing strawberries, worked on delivery trucks for Woolworths, a seafood business and is a qualified chef.

“He tells me upon his release that he will start a food truck, driving around to local events and festivals.”

Magistrate Dean Wilkinson sentenced Lovett, who pleaded guilty, to an 18-month suspended sentence, with a parole release date of October 13, 2023.

Convictions were recorded and Mr Wilkinson declared the 203 days of pre-sentence custody time served.

“Your history is extreme and there’s only one option available to court with sentencing today to these matters.

“You’re a recidivist offender and if you’re going to continue you’ll remain in custody, if you don’t change your ways.”