Ian McIlvenna denied bail, accused of copper wire theft from Telstra

Police have released video of the arrest of a 46-year-old Gympie man who is accused of stealing $75,000 worth of copper and causing $200,000 in damage across Gympie and the Sunshine Coast. WATCH THE VIDEO:

Police have released video of the arrest of a 46-year-old furniture removalist accused of stealing $75,000 worth of copper and causing $200,000 in damage across Gympie and the Sunshine Coast.

Ian Charles Victor McIlvenna, of Jones Hill, recently fronted Gympie Magistrates Court via video link to request bail while facing 26 charges over the alleged spree.

The charges include 12 counts of wilful damage, nine counts of stealing, and one count each for dangerous operation of a vehicle, evading police at night, possessing a drug related utensil, and failing to take reasonable care and precautions in respect to a syringe and needle.

The video released by police shows a man wearing nothing but a pair of shorts and a pair of sand shoes being arrested at a Pie Creek property and being put into the back of the paddy wagon.

Ian McIlvenna is facing a total of 26 charges, including 12 counts of wilful damage, 9 counts of stealing, and 1 count each for dangerous operation of a vehicle, evasion offence at night, possess of a drug related utensil, and failure to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of syringe and needle.

Police prosecutor Allison Johnston told the court Mr McIlvenna “endangers the safety and welfare of the community” as she opposed bail, describing Mr McIlvenna as an “unacceptable risk of committing further offences.”

Sgt Johnston said Mr McIlvenna had 10 pages of criminal history, including sentences of four-and-a-half years for robbery and two-and-a-half years for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

He had previously failed to appear in court when required, and evidence against him included a witness claiming they saw his truck at the scene of the crime and saw him cutting and possessing the copper wires, the court heard.

It was further alleged mobile phone data showed his device had been in the vicinity of the offence.

Magistrate Bevan Hughes agreed with Sgt Johnston’s assessment he was a high risk of reoffending and rejected his application.

Magistrate Bevan Hughes agreed with the police prosecutor’s assessment that Ian McIlvenna was a high risk of reoffending and rejected his application.

Mr Mcilvenna, upon hearing his bail would be refused, began speaking at the same time as Mr Hughes who – after issuing a warning – muted him, saying “even now you can’t exercise self restraint”.

The 46-year-old continued to vent as Mr Hughes finished handing down his decision, pacing around the room and banging on the door for the correctional guard to collect him before the hearing had finalised.
He is scheduled to reappear at Gympie Magistrates Court on December 9, 2024.

His attendance will be excused.

Originally published as Ian McIlvenna denied bail, accused of copper wire theft from Telstra