Copper wire thief Jeremy Gumbleton sentenced in Gladstone court

A burglar stole “significant amounts” of copper wire and tools during break-ins at Central Queensland businesses. But it was what he left behind which linked him to several of the crime scenes.

Jeremy Edward Gumbleton was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court on April 3.

A man who built up a “significant” copper wire and tools booty from Central Queensland businesses, has been sentenced for his crimes.

Jeremy Edward Gumbleton, 29, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to 25 charges including numerous counts of entering premises by break, and disqualified driving.

The court heard that Gumbleton had “preyed on Gladstone businesses” during a series of break-ins where “significant amounts” of copper wire and tools were stolen.

It was told that during some of these offences, Gumbleton did not act alone.

One of his victims was Gladstone Ports Corporation and police found his DNA at the scene.

Jeremy Edward Gumbleton.

The court heard that Gumbleton’s DNA was also found at numerous other break-in locations and police caught him driving while court disqualified.

Gumbleton had a seven-page Queensland criminal history and his New South Wales record was 15 pages.

Solicitor Jun Pepito said Gumbleton, a father of four who had previously worked as a removalist, got on drugs after the tragic death of one of his children.

Mr Pepito said as a result of Gumbleton’s addiction, he had been in and out of jail “like a turnstile.”

On April 3, Magistrate Mary Buchanan sentenced Gumbleton to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for 18 months.

She took into account his 20 days’ in pre-sentence custody but that was not declared as time served.

Ms Buchanan also fined him $500 and disqualified him from driving for two years.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Copper wire thief Jeremy Gumbleton sentenced in Gladstone court