Rodney Colin Lowe pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a vehicle
A man who stole a car while in the company of others has faced court after making an extraordinary decision when he realised he ‘didn’t want to be there’, a court has heard.
Police & Courts
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A man who jumped from a stolen car “didn’t want to be there”, Maryborough Magistrates Court has heard.
Rodney Colin Lowe pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two counts of failing to appear when he faced Maryborough Magistrates Court this month.
The court heard Lowe had been a passenger in a stolen car along with other alleged co-offenders.
There had been an incident involving the stolen car that caused Lowe and another person to jump from the vehicle.
A co-offender was later arrested and told the police of Lowe’s involvement.
On February 21, Lowe was located by police for questioning in relation to the matter.
He had been cooperative and made full admissions to police.
Lowe told officers he had the opportunity to walk away and knew the car was stolen but continued on the journey until he jumped from the vehicle.
In relation to failing to appear before the court, the court heard Lowe had been struggling with his mental health and had been transported to Hervey Bay Hospital on the first occasion.
On the second occasion, a warrant was issued and police attended Lowe’s Dundathu property where he was arrested.
Duty lawyer Morgan Harris said his client had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was medicated.
Lowe was awaiting a referral for a psychologist, Mr Harris said, and was currently receiving a disability support pension.
Mr Harris said his client had jumped out of the car when it was travelling about 60km/h.
Magistrate John Milburn said Lowe had a disadvantaged background.
He said the offence had been committed under “unusual circumstances”, as passenger.
“Am I correct in hearing this, you removed yourself from that vehicle when it was travelling about 60km/h?
“So clearly you didn’t want to be there and I take that into account.”
Mr Milburn fined Lowe $800 and in relation to the two fail to appears, he was convicted and not further punished.
No convictions were recorded.
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