Teen faces Hervey Bay court for Woolworths break-in

A teenager who stole almost $70,000 worth of cigarettes and phones from a supermarket reached speeds of up to 140km/h in trying to evade police, a Hervey Bay court heard.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle, breaking and entering and unlawful use of a motor vehicle when he faced Queensland Childrens Court on Wednesday.

A teenager who broke into a Woolworths supermarket and stole about $70,000 worth of items, including cigarettes and phones, has faced court in Hervey Bay.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle, breaking and entering and unlawful use of a motor vehicle when he faced Queensland Childrens Court on Wednesday.

The court heard the boy was 16 when he committed the offences.

During the first offence, he was seen driving in the early hours of the morning.

Police tried to stop the teen, but he accelerated away from them, reaching speeds up to 140km/h.

Police called off the chase, but identified the boy, the court was told.

On July 1, 2022, the teen went to Woolworths at Childers with three co-offenders.

A crowbar was used to break a window and get into the store.

The youths then went to the service desk, jumped the counter and took cigarettes, putting them in a waiting vehicle.

Phones and cash was also stolen during the incident.

About $62,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen, along with mobiles worth about $5800 and $2000 in cash.

In regard to the unlawful use of a vehicle, the teen had been seen on CCTV driving a stolen vehicle, the court heard.

Judge Michael Burnett said the teen had a concerning criminal history.

“This body of offending represents a significant escalation on your earlier offending,” he said.

“Continue behaving this way and a life in and out of custody is a life that’s going to be your life.”

He said the teen came from a dysfunctional family and had a “chaotic” lifestyle.

While his background was “unfortunate” it did not justify his behaviour, Mr Burnett said.

The teen was sentenced to four months in detention, with the 84 days he had already spent in custody declared as time served.

He was given immediate release.