Former Redlands, now Caboolture man Luke John Walsh, 41, has bail denied on scooter theft charge

An unemployed painter and convicted drug trafficker charged by police with an alleged “brazen” scooter theft, has years of suspended jail hanging over his head, a court has heard.

A convicted drug trafficker could spend years in jail should he be found guilty after police accused him of an alleged “brazen” e-scooter theft at a bayside bowls club, a court has heard.

Appearing at Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday former Redlands, now Caboolture, man Luke John Walsh, 41, had his bail denied when his horror criminal history was revealed.

Walsh faces one count of stealing and one count of unlawful use of a vehicle.

He also faces “pages and pages of charges” that include dangerous operation of a vehicle, entering premises to commit an indictable offence, wilful damage and trespass at Wynnum Magistrates Court on April 7, the court heard.

Police will allege Walsh was on February 4 identified at Capalaba Bowls Club from his membership sign-in after he was captured on CCTV making off with an electric scooter.

According to prosecutors, the scooter owner parked his vehicle near stairs and returned to find it gone.

Police will further allege that on January 28 Walsh simply walked into an Alexandra Hills store and helped himself to $124.98 in clothing items without paying.

Luke John Walsh leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

The alleged “brazen offending” came on the back of a 14-page criminal history and two recent jail sentences, according to a police prosecutor.

Walsh was on December 16 last year sentenced to three months’ jail with immediate parole granted.

And in October last year he was sentenced to four years’ jail for drug trafficking, which was wholly suspended for four years after having served 497 days in pre-sentence custody, the court heard.

The court was told he had 2.5 years “owing” on that suspended sentence.

Defence solicitor Sarah Pascoe said her client had not offended in six weeks and had returned the allegedly stolen clothing and provided his drivers licence details when he was confronted by staff in Alexandra Hills.

A currently unemployed Walsh usually worked as a painter and had removed himself from the Redlands and his “associates” by moving to Caboolture, according to the defence.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta was not swayed, noting she thought it was a strong case.

“This whole lifestyle is what you are used to,” Ms Vasta said.

“I think you will continue to commit further (alleged) offences before that revolving door of prison can be stopped for you.

“At this stage you are an unacceptable risk.”

Walsh was remanded to custody and is next scheduled to appear before court on April 7.