Terrance James Mitchell: How Brisbane father’s life went into a downward spiral

A Brisbane father’s downward spiral back into meth use has landed him in custody after being busted with stolen cars, drugs and housebreaking implements.

A Brisbane father’s downward spiral back into meth use has landed him in custody after being busted with stolen cars, drugs and housebreaking implements.

Terrance James Mitchell, 28, of Moorooka, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Thursday to 13 charges, including four counts of fraud and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Moorooka man Terrance James Mitchell, 28. Picture: Facebook

He was also charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possessing housebreaking implements, possessing a dangerous drug, entering premises and committing an indictable offence and burglary.

Police prosecutor Sgt Stephen Cochrane said Mitchell had a criminal history of similar offences.

Magistrates Clare Kelly said his spate of offending took place between October 25-November 24 last year, including an incident in Logan where he dishonestly received a stolen bank card on October 25, and he was dangerously driving on November 24.

“One of the incidents relate to you entering a house, stealing the keys to a car and then using that car,” she said.

“You also pleaded guilty to entering cars, another charge of unlawful use of a vehicle and being in possession of a small amount of methamphetamines and some housebreaking implements.”

Mitchell’s lawyer told the court her client had issues with meth and had recently started using again before going into custody.

“It appears from his criminal history that there has been quite a gap of in serious offences of a like nature, so that may come down to the fact that he has only recently started using meth again,” she said.

She said Mitchell was previously employed in sheering and had two kids living in Cunnamulla.

“He tells me when he’s released, he’s hoping to see his partner and be able to look for work,” the lawyer said.

“His brother recently passed away, and the funeral is next Friday, so that’s something that’s causing quite significant issues for Mr Mitchell in regards to his mental health.”

Magistrates Clare Kelly sentenced him to a period of imprisonment of 18 months with a fixed parole release date on March 9, and the 99 days he spent in pre-sentence custody was declared time served under the sentence.

He was also placed on a good behaviour order for 12 months with a $300 recognisance and disqualified from driving for six months.

Originally published as Terrance James Mitchell: How Brisbane father’s life went into a downward spiral