Nathan John Eric Morgan jailed for sledgehammer break ins, 11 stolen cars
A Logan man who went on a wild, 20-day crime spree involving 11 stolen cars and a sledge hammer has been sentenced in court.
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A Logan man’s wild, 20-day crime spree involving 11 stolen cars and several burglaries with a sledge hammer and angle grinder has landed him in jail.
Beenleigh Magistrates Court heard that for 20 days in February this year Nathan John Eric Morgan went on a rampage across Redlands, Logan and South Brisbane, causing upwards of $100,000 in damage to buildings and cars.
The 29-year-old Crestmead man targeted bottle stores in Calamvale, an Australia Post in Rochedale South, a Coffee Club in Redlands and a Caltex in Wynnum West.
Morgan also used a car-sharing app to target people’s vehicles, steal them and often damage them.
One time he caused $16,000 in damage to one car and he stole 11 cars during the period.
He also broke into several businesses using a sledgehammer or angle grinder and would then destroy the safe and drawers once inside, stealing cigarettes.
The court heard some safes were valued at $30,000.
Morgan pleaded guilty on Tuesday to 15 charges including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, entering premises and committing an indictable offence and wilful damage.
Police Prosecutor Tim Wise said Morgan’s offending was a concern to the community.
“His offending involved going to several businesses and using a sledge hammer to wreak havoc,” he said.
Mr Wise said in one example, Morgan hit the same bottle shop in Calamvale four times and caused $20,000 worth of damage to the store.
He was also found in possession of a knife.
Magistrate Michael O’Driscoll said drugs were clearly an issue,
“I accept dangerous drugs are a problem for you,” he said.
“You need to avoid drugs or you will end up in prison again for longer and longer periods.”
Morgan was jailed for two and a half years and will be eligible for parole on February 4, 2024.
He had served 42 days of pre-sentence custody.
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Originally published as Nathan John Eric Morgan jailed for sledgehammer break ins, 11 stolen cars