Shaqeal Bligh sentenced for Gladstone Golf Club theft

After stealing a set of golf clubs from a player at a Central Queensland golf course, the thief hocked them but the surprising twist was still to come.

Shaqeal Joseph Bligh, 28, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to one count each of stealing and fraud.

There was an unusual twist after a man stole a set of golf clubs from a player at a Central Queensland golf course and hocked them, a court has heard.

Shaqeal Joseph Bligh, 28, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to one count each of stealing and fraud.

The court heard that on March 22, a man finished a round of golf at Gladstone Golf Club and he left his clubs outside the pro shop.

Sometime later, when the golfer returned to collect his clubs, he saw they were gone and he reported the theft to police.

The court heard that Bligh stole the clubs and sold them at a Cash Converters store for $220.

It was told Bligh, with dishonesty offending on his criminal history, was on an extended suspended jail sentence at the time of this offending.

Shaqeal Joseph Bligh.

Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Bligh was struggling financially when he committed the latest offences.

Ms Wieland said after Bligh saw a post on Facebook about the stolen golf clubs, he made contact with the victim.

She said the victim and Bligh subsequently spoke “at length” with the victim giving him “a few hard truths essentially.”

“He (Bligh) apologised to the victim,” Ms Wieland said.

The solicitor said Bligh was employed with an Indigenous organisation.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan activated the suspended sentence.

She sentenced Bligh to three months’ jail with immediate parole and ordered he pay $220 compensation.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Shaqeal Bligh sentenced for Gladstone Golf Club theft