Michael Ferry sentenced after thefts from vehicles at Gladstone
A Central Queensland carer’s struggles have been laid bare with the reason for his stealing spree from cars revealed.
Police & Courts
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A Central Queensland man who stole from cars to fund his drug addiction has been given a suspended jail term.
Michael Scott Ferry, 37, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to 14 charges including three counts of stealing, one count each of attempted stealing and wilful damage, and multiple counts of breaching bail.
The court heard that Ferry stole registration plates from a vehicle at New Auckland and a Yeti water bottle from the tray of a ute.
Police prosecutor Jennifer Leach said on another occasion, CCTV footage showed Ferry “casing” a vehicle in New Auckland.
“Police allege (Ferry) was attempting to steal items from the vehicle before being disturbed by the camera,” Ms Leach said in relation to the attempted stealing offence.
On another day, again in New Auckland, Ferry searched a toolbox in a victim’s vehicle and stole items including $100 worth of copper fittings.
Ms Leach said during forensic examination at the scene, Ferry’s fingerprints were found on the toolbox.
In relation to the wilful damage offence, Ms Leach said Ferry was captured on CCTV footage using bolt cutters to cut a padlock on an industrial bin at Gladstone’s Chemist Warehouse, Dawson Highway, before fleeing the scene.
Ferry had a two-page criminal history which included drug and dishonesty offending.
Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Ferry had previously been employed in various retail positions and he was currently working as a carer.
Ms Wieland said the offences before the court were a result of Ferry wanting money for drugs.
“He had an issue with substance abuse for about two years now, and that’s with regards to methamphetamine,” Ms Wieland said.
“He is however very eager to try and get off this substance - he has reached out to various rehabilitation services.”
Magistrate Mary Buchanan sentenced Ferry to three months’ jail, wholly suspended for an operational period of 12 months.
She also placed him on 12 months’ probation and convictions were recorded.
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Originally published as Michael Ferry sentenced after thefts from vehicles at Gladstone
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