Nathan John Collins, 22, sentenced over smash and grab at Chempro Coolangatta in April

A man has faced court over a weeks-long crime spree across the Gold Coast which included a smash and grab at a chemist. Read what happened

Man sentenced over Coolangatta chemist break-in. Picture: Google.

A man accused of a weeks-long drug fuelled crime spree across the Gold Coast, which included a smash and grab at a chemist, won’t spend any extra time behind bars.

Nathan John Collins faced Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday via video link from prison where he plead guilty to a string of offences including multiple counts of enter premises with intent and unlawful use of motor vehicle.

It was alleged the 22-year-old used a trolley to smash his way into the Chempro chemist at Coolangatta on April 3 where, once inside, he stole prescription medication and towels before running off. He was identified by a fingerprint left at the scene.

On April 16, Collins was disturbed by police breaking-into several vehicles and taking items. He was taken into custody.

The Court was told Collins was on parole at the time of offending for a three-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in January 2022 to arson. A further eight months was added to his sentence later that same year after a guilty plea of assault occasioning bodily harm.

Collins’ solicitor, Abigail Braid of Legal Aid Queensland, said her client was released on court ordered parole in November 2023 and was homeless.

He turned to drug use to cope with mental health issues which led to the crime spree and chemist break and enter.

“Mr Collins has shown insight into his offending,” Ms Braid told the court.

“He has acknowledged that his poor coping strategies – specifically relying on illicit substances – have been factors that have contributed to his offending.

“He is determined to address this.”

Ms Braid said her client had been drug free since being taken back into custody in April, and he intended to relocate to NSW to be closer with family and friends upon release, to continue his rehabilitation.

Acting Magistrate Sarah Thompson accepted that Collins had shown remorse for his conduct and his guilty plea was timely, which reduced the sentence that would be imposed.

“On my calculations, you have served through pre-sentence custody and being returned to custody as a result of this offending, 17 and a half months in actually custody,” Acting Magistrate Thompson said.

“It is a significant period of actual imprisonment for someone who is so young. Rehabilitation in someone as young as you is the priority for the courts.

“It is obviously in your interests but more importantly it’s in the community’s interest that you rehabilitate.”

Collins was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, wholly suspended and granted immediate parole. He was placed on an 18 months probation order.