James Carlson jailed over Casino crime spree
In a scene ripped straight from Grand Theft Auto, a man has been jailed after a wild crime spree and pursuit, in which he stole tools, destroyed vehicles and rammed a cop car as they pursued him in a stolen Land Cruiser.
Lismore
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A Richmond Valley man has been jailed after he stole thousands of dollars worth of tools then destroyed a Land Cruiser and a Nissan X-Trail, before stealing another man’s Land Cruiser and ramming a cop car.
James Carlson, 32, of Old Grevillia, north west of Kyogle, faced Magistrate Michael Dakin via audio visual link in Lismore Local Court on Monday.
He was charged with two counts of larceny, two counts of destroying or damaging property, stealing a vehicle without consent, and entering an area with an intention to commit an indictable offence.
He was further charged with engaging in a reckless police pursuit (second offence), driving while disqualified (second offence), and using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention.
He was also charged with hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of their duty, using a class A vehicle displaying misleading number-plate, and possessing ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority.
Court documents state between 4am and 6am on April 7, he unlawfully entered the FEDC Casino property and stole approximately $1000 worth of mechanics hand tool.
He also stole $1000 worth of hand and power tools and damaged a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Carlson then damaged a Nissan X-Trail before stealing another Toyota Land Cruiser belonging to a third party.
On April 16, at approximately 8:10am in Wiangaree, 47 kilometres north of Casino, police observed Carlson driving a white Toyota LandCruiser displaying incorrect and misleading number plates.
When Carlson failed to stop, a pursuit ensued, during which police witnessed him driving recklessly.
During the pursuit, Carlson rammed the police car in an attempt to evade arrest and obstruct police duties.
Upon apprehension in Toonumber, 50 kilometres west of Kyogle, police located and seized ammunition for a firearm belonging to Carlson.
Carlson pleaded guilty to all 12 charges and was convicted.
Mr Dakin sentenced him to a term of imprisonment of three months and four days.
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