Bundaberg man re-sentenced after forging court character reference

A Bundaberg father has been re-sentenced to six months jail after submitting a forged counsellor’s letter in a 2024 dangerous driving case.

Boaden Jai McMurtrie.

A Bundaberg father has been re-sentenced after submitting a forged character reference from his “counsellor” in a magistrates court matter last October.

Boaden Jai McCurtrie was charged with 11 offences in October 2024 after dangerously operating a vehicle while unlicensed and under the influence of methamphetamine.

Police stopped McCurtrie, who then sped off, crashing into a street sign before becoming stuck, police prosecutor Leon Casey said.

McCurtrie pleaded guilty to the charges on October 22, 2024, with the judge acknowledging his early plea.

On Wednesday, January 22 McCurtrie was sentenced solely under a dangerous operation of a vehicle charge.

The court heard McCurtrie had a history of drug use dating back to age 15.

Boaden Jai McMurtrie.

 
While he had a short period of sobriety, it was revealed that he was once again using drugs, including ice and cannabis.

McCurtrie’s defence lawyer, Ryan Dwyer, told the court his client had been open with his probation officer about his drug use.

“Hopefully, once today finishes … he can put all this behind him and continue decreasing his drug use,” Mr Dwyer said.
He also noted that McCurtrie had not reoffended in a “significant” amount of time, though the court heard McCurtrie had reported weekly use of ice as recently as January 21, 2025, just a day before his re-sentencing.

Magistrate Edwina Rowan addressed McCurtrie’s challenges, including the impact of his childhood and the recent death of his uncle.
She said that McCurtrie had expressed a desire to get sober for his daughter and was committed to rebuilding his relationship with his children.

“I remember you being emotional when talking about your children,” Ms Rowan said.
“It seemed clear to me that you were finally coming out the other side of addiction.”

Ms Rowan revisited the forged counsellor’s letter submitted during McCurtrie’s initial sentencing in October.
The letter claimed McCurtrie was committed to being a good father and role model and noted his participation in Alcoholics Anonymous.

“I remember making a comment about the letter at the time, saying I had never read one like it,” Ms Rowan said.

Ms Rowan condemned McCurtrie’s deliberate attempt to mislead the court, which necessitated reopening his sentence.

Noting her concerns about McCurtrie’s lack of sobriety, Ms Rowan sentenced him to six months in custody, with 41 days counted as time already served.
He was granted parole eligibility as of the sentencing day.

Boaden Jai McMurtrie.

 
His previous sentencing balance remains unchanged, and a conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Bundaberg man re-sentenced after forging court character reference