Tristan Michael Clohessy: How bodybuilder’s need for ‘companionship’ led him on a crime spree

A Woodridge bodybuilder charged with multiple break-ins claims he fell into the wrong crowd while he was “desperate for companionship”, a court has heard.

A Woodridge bodybuilder charged with multiple break-ins claims he fell into the wrong crowd while he was “desperate for companionship”, a court has heard.

Woodridge man Tristan Michael Clohessy, 32, pleaded guilty in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday to 23 charges.

Woodridge man Tristan Michael Clohessy, 32. Picture: Facebook

The court heard Clohessy’s offending began early last year when his life “fell apart”

He was charged with six counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break and two counts of unlawful entry of vehicle for committing an indictable offence at night in company, including one incident where $15,000 worth of damage was caused.

Clohessy’s lawyer said his client separated from his partner of 10 years in early 2020 but managed to stay on track by competing in bodybuilding.

However, his “downward spiral” began when his father passed away later that same year, and he wasn’t able to attend the funeral interstate.

“He sold his house and made some very poor financial decisions,” he said.

“Began hanging around with the wrong people that started to take advantage of his vulnerability.”

His lawyer said keeping bad company was how he became involved in numerous enter premises offences.

“Ultimately, he never benefited from the items stolen,” he said.

“He was simply there because he was desperate for companionship, and theses were the people who were around him at the time, and he wanted to be a part of something.”

He said Clohessy had been in custody for six months and was looking to become a qualified personal trainer upon release.

Magistrate Gary Finger sentenced him to 18 months imprisonment with an immediate parole release date. He was disqualified from driving for two years.

Originally published as Tristan Michael Clohessy: How bodybuilder’s need for ‘companionship’ led him on a crime spree