Harley Robert Earl charged with dangerous driving, drugs possession, stealing

A young Logan serial carjacker with a history of driving stolen cars has bene jailed for ramming a stolen vehicle into a police van before fleeing.

Harley Robert Earl.

A young Logan man with a notorious history of driving stolen cars will spend time behind bars after ramming a police van before fleeing and later being caught with drugs, stolen bank cards and keys.

Harley Robert Earl, 24, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Friday, June 21, to a string of charges including dangerous operation of a vehicle, possessing drugs and utensils, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry of vehicles.

The court heard Earl was caught driving stolen cars four times in February and March this year.

Police Prosecutor Dan Cuschieri said Earl had a six-page criminal history and had previously been sentenced to probation, suspended sentences and had served jail time.

“There needs to be more punishment,” Sgt Cuschieri said.

Harley Robert Earl.

“He comes before the court with a six-page criminal history at the age of 25.’’

The court heard Earl was found with stolen car keys, house keys, a garage buzzer and multiple credit cards.

“He drove off from two petrol stations without making payment,” Sgt Cuschieri said.

On February 4 Earl was spotted by police in a stolen vehicle.

When flagged down, he accelerated into a police van.

“When police tried to intercept he used (the car) as a weapon and caused damage to police vehicle,” St Cuschieri said.

“His female co-offender was arrested but the defendant fled from the scene and was later located by the dog squad hiding in a bush.’’

Earl’s lawyer said his client was “certainly in a world of hurt”.

“With 11 prior convictions of unlawful use of a motor vehicles, it is clear he needs to stop stealing cars,” the lawyer said.

“The only positive thing he has going for him is that he has not breached any previous court orders.’’

The court heard Earl struggled with a serious drug addiction and learning difficulties.

His lawyer said he started using cannabis at aged 12 and moved on to methamphetamine.

Earl described himself as an addict.

Acting Magistrate Mark Whitbread said Earl’s conduct was horrific.

“You’ve really got to start doing something to change your life,” Mr Whitbread said.

“It is a maximum penalty of 14 years just for driving into a police car.’’

Earl was sentenced to 12 months’ jail and would be eligible for parole after four months.

He was disqualified from driving for three years.

Convictions were recorded.