Brock Wilson-Knight sentenced for $72k crime spree, assault

A man disqualified from driving 10 times went on a three-day rampage including kicking a female shop owner in the stomach, causing $72,000 in damage during multiple break-ins and thefts of everything from ciggies to a scented candle.

Brock Wilson-Knight has been sentenced for a $72k crime spree. FILE PHOTO

A 25-year-old serial thief, disqualified from driving 10 times, has been sentenced after a nightmare crime spree cost multiple businesses a combined $72,000 in damage and saw him kick a female business owner to the ground.

Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard Brock Wilson-Knight used an axe and a metal bar to smash into multiple Logan tobacco shops and newsagencies, stealing thousands of dollars worth of tobacco at each location.

Wilson-Knight, from Beaudesert, pleaded guilty to a long string of charges including attempted enter of premises with intent to commit an indictable offence, break and enter, using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, assault occasioning bodily harm, common assault, unlawful use of motor vehicles, wilful damage and stealing.

To make matters even worse, police prosecutor Stephen Cochrane said Wilson-Knight was disqualified from driving and on parole at the time of the offences.

Magistrate Shane Elliott said Wilson-Knight attempted to enter a newsagency at Mt Tamborine on February 13, 2024.

“The female owner tried to stop you and you kicked her to the stomach which caused her to fall. She now suffers lower back pain and is on medication,” Mr Elliott said.

“(The same day) the defendant and others forced entry into a tobacconist by damaging their door and stole large quantity of tobacco.’’

More than “$8000 damage was caused, he said.

And at 1.30am on the same day, Wilson-Knight and others caused a further $7620 of damage to a nearby tobacconist after gaining entry by smashing the doors with an axe, the court heard.

Two days later the group gained entry to two tobacco shops and a BP at Oxenford North.

Magistrate Elliott said the group smashed the doors of each location and attempted to steal everything they could.

“At BP you broke into a cash drawer, attempted to break into the ATM and stole 50-70 packets of cigarettes,” Mr Elliott said.

“At the Tobacco shop you gained entry with your axe and were only able to leave with a scented candle.

“You’re a young offender but certainly not one without criminal history.’’

Wilson-Knight’s lawyer said he had a disrupted upbringing in foster care and had suffered the loss of a child.

Magistrate Elliott said he took Wilson-Knight's early plea and his difficult upbringing into consideration.

“Your criminal history kicks off from the time you lost your son in 2020,” Mr Elliott said.

“I have to consider if I can deal with this sentence as a magistrates court can sentence a maximum of three years in prison.

“I have noted the assault, loss of property and your criminal history.’’

Wilson-Knight’s 120 days spent in pre sentence custody was considered time already served.

He was sentenced to serve three years in prison with parole eligibility on Feb 20, 2025.

He was disqualified from driving for three years.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Brock Wilson-Knight sentenced for $72k crime spree, assault