Man who stole cars to pay drug debt sent back to jail

The 27-year-old who has spent most of his adult life in jail was charged with stealing cars and possessing steroids.

Corey James Keating appeared in custody via videolink and pleaded guilty to five crimes committed between December 13 and 23, 2020, including stealing two cars, possessing steroids, failing to dispose of a syringe and refusing to allow access to his mobile phone.

A 27-year-old man busted stealing cars and possessing steroids had spent just 14 months of his adult life out of jail, Gympie Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday.

Corey James Keating appeared in custody via videolink and pleaded guilty to five crimes committed between December 13 and 23, 2020, including stealing two cars, possessing steroids, failing to dispose of a syringe and refusing to allow access to his mobile phone.

Police prosecutor Nick Nitschke told the court Keating was on parole at the time of the offences, and had spent a total of 144 days in presentence custody.

He also said one car, a Holden Commodore stolen on December 13, from Woombye, was never recovered, while the other car, stolen from Maryborough, also on December 13, 2020, was found at his house.

Keating’s defence lawyer Chris Lumme told the court his client became involved with an “undesirable” group of people, who he also owed money for drugs.

Mr Lumme said Keating stole the two cars with intentions to pay the debt he owed.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan described the offences as “serious”.

Keating was sentenced to two years behind bars, with parole on September 22, 2021.

Originally published as Man who stole cars to pay drug debt sent back to jail