William Benger in court for E-Male Lifestyle store break-in

After a drunk 21-year-old was locked out of the house by his partner, he made a “poor decision” to break into a business and steal money.

E-Male Lifestyle clothing store at Gladstone.

An out-of-work Central Queensland labourer has faced court after he broke into a clothing store and stole money.

William James Christopher Benger, 21, pleaded guilty in Gladstone Magistrates Court to one count each of entering a premises and committing an indictable offence by break, and attempted enter premises with intent.

The court heard that just after midnight on June 7, police were called to Gladstone clothing store E-Male Lifestyle where a door had been kicked in.

It was told that CCTV footage showed Benger had kicked the door about four times before gaining entry to the store where he took $200 cash from a till.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Pepe Gangemi said Benger then went to the Intersport store in the same complex where he attempted to break in.

Benger had no criminal history and the prosecution sought $737 restitution.

Solicitor Bianca Wieland said Benger, a former labourer who was currently unemployed, had been drinking on the night of his offending.

“When he got home, his partner wouldn’t let him inside the house... he was intoxicated,” Ms Wieland said.

She said Benger then made “a poor decision” to commit the offences.

Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed Benger on a 12-month good behaviour order with a $500 recognisance.

She also ordered he pay $737 restitution and no conviction was recorded.

Originally published as William Benger in court for E-Male Lifestyle store break-in