Brodie Groat in court for crime spree involving stolen tools, evading police

A Bundaberg man who went on a six-month crime spree across the Bundaberg region has fronted court via a video link from the Maryborough Correctional Centre.

Brodie Groat sentenced for crime spree involving stolen tools, evading police.

A 27-year-old man will spend the next two months in jail after being sentenced in Bundaberg Magistrates Court for 23 offences committed during a six month crime spree.

Brodie Groat appeared via video link from Maryborough Correctional Centre on Thursday, pleading guilty to a string of offences, including stealing fuel from a United petrol station, unlawful use of a vehicle, driving without a licence, evading police, and failing to appear in court.

He expressed his willingness to plead guilty without hearing the details of the charges against him.

Brodie James Groat is in custody following several charges. PICTURE: Facebook.

The charges against Groat included breaching a probation order, two counts of driving without a licence as a repeat offender, driving uninsured vehicles, and five charges of driving without a licence due to demerit points.

He was also charged with unlawful possession of suspected stolen property, using a vehicle with a false number plate, breaking and entering, evading police, failure to appear in court, three counts of stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and three counts of having an unregistered vehicle on the road.

Groat also pleaded guilty to contravening a probation order by not reporting as directed at the time of the offences.

During the court session, which was partially closed, police prosecutor Vikki Kennedy-Grills emphasized the severity of the 23 offences committed over six months.

One of the significant charges involved the unlawful use of a Holden Colorado, which contained about $45,000 worth of tools that were never recovered.

Sergeant Kennedy-Grills advocated for a 10-month jail term for Groat, noting that he was on probation when the offences occurred and had a suspended seven-day sentence for failing to appear in court.

Groat had already served 60 days in custody.

Brodie Groat has an extensive nine page criminal history. PICTURE: Facebook.

Magistrate John McInnes addressed Groat’s actions, noting the breach of a suspended sentence and probation.

He highlighted his disqualified and dangerous driving history as aggravating factors.

“Prison is a last resort sentence, but last resort doesn’t mean it can’t be imposed,” Mr McInnes said.

He said the sentence would not precisely reflect the loss suffered by victims, as Groat couldn’t be held responsible for all of it.

“There is no evidence that you trashed the vehicle or ended up with the tools,” he said.

Groat was sentenced to 10 months and 14 days jail, with parole eligibility set for September 23, 2024.

He will have served three and a half months in custody by that date.

Originally published as Brodie Groat in court for crime spree involving stolen tools, evading police