Western Downs co-accused Matthew John Anscombe, Xavier Hill-Webber front Dalby Magistrates Court

A pair of co-accused fronted court for their ‘suspicious behaviour’ after being found by police roaming Dalby streets with a string of home break-in equipment, which included a mask and plyers. Full details.

Duo before court after being found with suspicious items.

Two young men who were busted by police with a backpack full of what was believed to be home break-in supplies have fronted court for their ‘very suspicious’ behaviour.

Matthew John Anscombe and Xavier Hill-Webber appeared in Dalby Magistrates Court on October 10 after being charged with identical offences.

Police prosecutor Derek Brady said the pair of 21-year-olds were seen on Condamine St in Dalby on September 18 shortly after midnight while police were conducting patrols.

Mr Brady told the court that when police took up with the co-accused, Hill-Webber fled the scene by foot in an unknown direction with Anscombe staying put and speaking with authorities.

“He was clearly intoxicated, they could smell the liquor on his breath,” Sergeant Brady said.

“He was carrying a pink backpack holding a large spanner that cost over $100. Police located items in the backpack, a mask, plyers and believed the items could be used for a house break in.”

Additionally, police found multiple cold beers which they believed to have been stolen as well.

“When questioned (Anscombe) first stated they didn’t belong to him and that (Hill-Webber) gave them to him to carry,” Sergeant Brady said.

“(Anscombe) said he knew what it looked like from a police point of view and that he was stupid enough to be carrying them for his associate.”

The court was told that the following day police took up with Hill-Webber who said he had been given the beers by someone else and had the plyers because he was fixing his scooter, however police still had reason to believe the items were suspicious.

Defence lawyer Brad Skuse represented both men and said while they had been to court neither had any convictions or been charged with similar offences.

Acting magistrate Andrew Walker told the pair that even if they weren’t using the items to break into homes, there was still reasonable suspicions for possessing such property.

“When people are creating suspicion, there’s going to be a problem,” he said.

“It’s certainly very suspicious behaviour.”

He said that despite the co-accused being charged with identical offences, one would be harsher due to the increased history.

Both Anscombe and Hill-Webber pleaded guilty to possessing instruments of house breaking and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

Anscombe was fined $600 and Hill-Webber was fined $500. Neither had convictions recorded, and all items were forfeited.

Originally published as Western Downs co-accused Matthew John Anscombe, Xavier Hill-Webber front Dalby Magistrates Court