Thomas O’Rourke sentenced for stealing from Harvey Road Tavern
A man who may have thought his luck was in when he stole furniture from a Central Queensland tavern then went inside to try his hand at Keno.
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A man who teamed up with a woman to steal furniture from a Central Queensland hotel, has paid a hefty price for his mistake.
Thomas James O’Rourke, 20, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to stealing.
Senior Constable Jessica McLaren said about 10pm on March 3, O’Rourke and a woman were at Harvey Road Tavern where they loaded two tables and three chairs into a car being driven by the latter.
Snr Const McLaren said the pair then went inside the venue and used the Keno facilities.
The court heard that O’Rourke later admitted to police that he stole the items.
The prosecution said the value of the tables and chairs was $593 and they sought half of that in restitution from O’Rourke.
O’Rourke had a one-page criminal history.
Solicitor Caitlin Dee said O’Rourke, unemployed and looking for work, had been drinking with mates on the night of the offending.
“There was some confusion, he actually thought they were free - but he understands that they weren’t,” Ms Dee said.
“He’s sorry for his actions.”
Only July 23, Magistrate Mary Buchanan fined O’Rourke $650 and ordered he pay $296.50 restitution.
No conviction was recorded.
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Originally published as Thomas O’Rourke sentenced for stealing from Harvey Road Tavern
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