Andrew Leonard Vernon guilty of driving stolen car at Maroochydore

A Qld man whose 17-page criminal history included a shocking attack on a police officer, has returned to court after “borrowing” a stolen car from a mate and causing a wild crash at a popular Sunshine Coast pub.

Andrew Leonard Vernon, 30, pleaded guilty to a string of fraud, drug and driving-related charges when he appeared in custody before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

A Monkland man who borrowed a car he knew was probably stolen in a desperate bid to keep his job has instead landed in jail after causing a five-car crash at a pub.

Andrew Leonard Vernon appeared by video at Gympie Magistrates Court to plead guilty to the offending, the latest in a criminal rap sheet which was already 17 pages long.

Police Prosecutor Allison Johnston said this the 36-year-old’s criminal history included multiple previous convictions for car theft and violence.

Among the most serious was a November 2021 attack on a police officer who pulled him over while he was driving without a licence, Sgt Johnston said.

The court heard the officer suffered a broken wrist in the attack.

Andrew Leonard Vernon, 30, pleaded guilty to a string of fraud, drug and driving-related charges when he appeared in custody before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

He needed two surgeries, including one which shortened the bone by 3cm, and was unable to return to his normal policing role for two years,” Sgt Johnston said.

The court heard Vernon’s latest offending happened while he was on parole and working at a fruit market in Buderim.

His girlfriend had been driving him to and from work due after he lost his licence in January 2024.

The court heard when she was no longer able to continue this, one of the Monkland man’s friends offered him the use of a car he had at hand.

Vernon’s defence lawyer told the court the 36-year-old “knew from his friend’s background it was likely stolen but he took the risk anyway” to keep his job.

At this time had also started “self-medicating” to deal with ongoing mental health issues stemming from a childhood in which he was exposed to domestic violence and drug abuse.

His mental health was declining and he “went off the rails”, his lawyer said.

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On October 11, 2024, Andrew Leonard Vernon was leaving the carpark of The Sands Tavern at Maroochydore when he crashed into four parked cars. He was driving a stolen car at the time, Gympie Magistrates Court heard. Picture: Google Maps

On October 11, 2024 he was leaving the carpark of The Sands Tavern at Maroochydore when he crashed into four parked cars.

The car he was driving also suffered a blown tyre in the crash, but he drove it from the scene anyway.

The entire incident was caught on CCTV.

Sgt Johnston said Vernon then “dumped the vehicle and got a cab somewhere else”.

Police finally located and arrested Vernon in January 2025.

Magistrate Bevan Hughes said it was only through “good fortune” no-one was seriously injured in the crash.

Vernon pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence, and driving without due care and attention.

He was sentenced to 15 months’ jail with parole eligibility from June 30 and banned from driving for two years.

Originally published as Andrew Leonard Vernon guilty of driving stolen car at Maroochydore