Justin Alec Cook pleaded guilty to fraud, possessing dangerous drugs
A man looking for a job in the mines has faced court for fraud and drugs offences involving meth and pot.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A man was on parole when he committed a fuel drive-off and was later busted with meth and cannabis, a court has heard.
Justin Alec Cook, 41, pleaded guilty to possessing dangerous drugs and to fraud when he faced Hervey Bay District Court on Thursday.
The court heard police had been carrying out mobile patrols of Urangan on January 5, 2025, when they saw Cook leave a car park onto Elizabeth St.
They recognised Cook as he was wanted in relation to another matter.
He was stopped and spoken to by the police and when asked, produced the contents of pockets, including a clip seal bag of cannabis buds with a total weight of 3.8g.
Another clip seal bag with .8g of meth was also produced.
In relation to the fraud offence, Cook had driven a gold Ford Territory to BP Bay City on Main St in Kawungan on December 18, 2024 about 3pm.
The court heard Cook had put $50 worth of fuel into the vehicle, then returned to the driver’s seat and drove off, making no attempt to pay for the fuel.
He was later identified on CCTV footage.
Cook had an extensive criminal history and was on parole at the time for similar offending, the court was told.
Duty lawyer Daniel Ould said Cook was a single man with an 18-year-old son.
Cook was looking for work in the mining industry, had been homeless for a time and had been using cannabis to sleep, he said.
He was addressing his drug issues and had sorted out his accommodation.
Mr Ould noted his client did not have a favourable criminal history and was on parole at the time of offending.
Magistrate John Milburn gave Cook a head sentence of one month in prison, wholly suspended for an operational period of six months.
He was fined $500 for the fraud and ordered to pay $50 in restitution.
Convictions were recorded.
Speed limit set to be lowered along parts of Esplanade
New turtle rehabilitation centre to open in Hervey Bay
More Coverage
Originally published as Justin Alec Cook pleaded guilty to fraud, possessing dangerous drugs
Ex-scaffolder steals same car twice, points shotgun at owner
A stolen Mazda was returned to its owner, but three days later, the man who first took it returned and this time, he was armed.
Tragic sign something was wrong day siblings were killed in crash
A friend and neighbour of a beloved baker and school volunteer, killed alongside her brother in a crash allegedly caused by a carer, has shared heartbreaking new details.
Bedbound aged care resident exposed as child abuser
Incontinent and largely confined to his bed, this Qld aged care resident has been hiding a dark secret.
Two injured after cement truck and ute collide
Two men have been taking to hospital after a collision between a cement truck and a ute left one person trapped.
Daughter’s campaign to find truth about mum’s violent death
A woman searching for answers about the death of her mother 45 years ago took Facebook posts about her campaign too far, landing her in court. See why
Alleged drug-dealing father back in court
A Hervey Bay father who faces 27 charges including trafficking dangerous drugs has been mentioned in court again.