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Homeless man Derek James Colley bashed and robbed ‘numerous times’

A Central Queensland man with a history of failing to show up to court has now also breached his probation but his lawyer says this can be explained by a series of misfortunes.

Derek James Colley faced Gladstone Magistrates Court on March 4.
Derek James Colley faced Gladstone Magistrates Court on March 4.

A homeless Central Queensland man was bashed and robbed “numerous times” and that was partly why he didn’t comply with probation, a court has heard.

Derek James Colley, 58, appeared in Gladstone Magistrates Court on March 4 where he was dealt with for contravening a probation order.

The court heard that Colley was originally placed on 12 months’ probation after being convicted of possessing property used in connection with a drug offence and failing to appear in court.

It was told that Colley had not reported to probation a number of times and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

In court on March 4, Colley also pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to appear.

Solicitor Cam Schroder explained the struggles Colley had gone through.

Derek James Colley.
Derek James Colley.

He said Colley, who suffered from short-term memory problems, had been homeless for a period of time, as well as having a cancer removed.

“He’s been sick for a long time,” Mr Schroder said.

“He does have mental health problems.

“And while he was homeless, he was bashed a few times and robbed.”

Mr Schroder said Colley was now getting his life “back on track” with a good place to live in Gladstone and he also had a female friend looking after him.

“He does apologise to the court and also to probation for the appointments that he has missed.”

Magistrate Mary Buchanan revoked the probation order and re-sentenced Colley.

She fined him $1000 for all offences and convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Homeless man Derek James Colley bashed and robbed ‘numerous times’

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/gladstone/police-courts/homeless-man-derek-james-colley-bashed-and-robbed-numerous-times/news-story/21de27b9b513712206bbd6103fa04e64