Painter Tyson Vonderwall sentenced for fraud at Gladstone

A Central Queensland painter has faced court after he stole a man’s possessions while working on his home and pawned them.

Tyson Allerick Vonderwall, 27, was sentenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court after stealing from a Boyne Island man’s home while working there as a painter. Generic image.

A Central Queensland painter has faced court after he stole from a man’s home while working on it.

Tyson Allerick Vonderwall, 27, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to three counts of fraud, two counts of entering premises and committing an indictable offence, and one count of entering dwelling and commit.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Merrilyn Hoskins said Vonderwall was working as a painter at a Boyne Island man’s home when he “preyed upon” the 58-year-old.

“He (Vonderwall) was in a position of trust where he’s doing work there, painting the outside of the house,” Sgt Hoskins said.

She said the home occupant had allowed Vonderwall to go inside whenever he needed to use the toilet.

The court heard that on October 31 last year, Vonderwall stole a jump starter pack from the man’s home and went to Cash Converters Gladstone where he pawned it for $100.

Then on November 18, Vonderwall stole power tools from the man’s home and pawned them at Cash Converters Gladstone for $200.

Just two days later, Vonderwall stole more power tools from the man’s home and again took them to Cash Converters where he sold them for $160.

Gladstone Police Complex.

Vonderwall had a one-page criminal history which included previous stealing and fraud offences.

While the prosecutor was finalising her submission, Acting Magistrate Nigel Rees interjected and said: “He (Vonderwall) should be looking down in shame.”

Solicitor Rio Ramos said Vonderwall had worked as a painter and sandblaster for the past 13 years, and at the time of this offending he was a subcontractor.

“The responsible employer at the time gave them deadlines... unfortunately they didn’t get paid,” Ms Ramos said.

“He (Vonderwall) eventually finished the job, however he was still owed about a fortnight’s worth of pay.”

Mr Rees then interjected and said: “So he’s taken it out on the (home occupant) and not the person who subcontracted?”

Ms Ramos replied: “Yes, unfortunately.”

She said Vonderwall was remorseful for what he did and made “full and frank” admissions to police.

Mr Rees sentenced Vonderwall to six months’ jail, wholly suspended for 12 months, and ordered he pay $460 restitution.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Painter Tyson Vonderwall sentenced for fraud at Gladstone