Harley Bossom, Wide Bay, released on parole for 35 Ipswich offences

An Ipswich Judge has referred to a Wide Bay man’s past struggles as “baggage,” as he was released on parole for 35 separate criminal offences.

Ipswich court. Picture: FILE

A Wide Bay father of four has been given parole after appearing in an Ipswich courthouse on 35 criminal charges, causing a judge to call his past struggles “baggage”.

Harley Bossom, 33, appeared in Ipswich Magistrates Court on July 10 on charges including possessing dangerous drugs, contravening direction of a police officer, dangerous driving, stealing, fraud, breach of bail and failure to dispose of a syringe.

The court heard Bossom was the father of four children, including four-year-old, a seven-year-old and an eight-year-old, but did not have much contact with the eldest two children.

The defendant’s lawyer said Mr Bossom was in his twenties when he completed some courses to help with his small online business selling gym and streetwear.

“He has a significant history of drug abuse that is evident from his criminal history and offending that’s before the court today,” Mr Bossom’s lawyer said.

The court heard he had a troubled upbringing and battled drug abuse since leaving Proserpine State High School in Year 8 at 13 years old.

She said his addiction reached the point where he started using whatever substances he could get his hands on.

Judge Michael Burnett said Bossom should be embarrassed by his offending before the court.

“By 33, all of us are going to have some baggage.

“Yours might be a little bit heavier, but nowhere in the criminal code I have ever seen is there an offence called baggage.

“It can be taken into account, but it thins out to wafer thin as you get older.

“You are to be admired for getting through some of the hurdles that have been put there that other people didn’t have to jump.

“We all get problems, all different, from different directions … and different parts of our life but a lot of it squares up in the wash.

“You’ve got nearly 50 convictions on your history today, and then you get another 35 today, and you are up to 85.

“You were – I would like to use the word silly that would sound more elegant and gentlemanly, but I will use the word stupid …

“You’ve been given suspended sentences (previously), and you breached both of them by committing 26 of these 35 offences — that is stupid.”

Bossom received an 18 month imprisonment, with immediate parole for his 35 charges.

He plans to reside with his mother in Lowood once released so he can spend more time with his family.

Originally published as Harley Bossom, Wide Bay, released on parole for 35 Ipswich offences