Man steal’s widow’s car, found 400km away

A southeast Queensland man drove off with a widow’s car after dropping her at a medical appointment before police eventually found him 400km away, a court has heard.

Aden Reece Halliday outside the Ipswich courthouse on June 25, 2024.

An Ipswich man drove off with a widow’s car after dropping her at a medical appointment in Bundaberg before police eventually found him 400km away, a court has heard.

Aden Reece Halliday, 29, faced Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 25. charged with 15 offences including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possessing a knife in a public place, possessing dangerous drugs and fare evasion.

He pleaded guilty to all charges.

The court heard he drove an elderly woman to a hospital appointment in Bundaberg on April 16 in a car belonging to a man who died in January.

The woman waited for him to return but instead Halliday drove to North Ipswich where police spotted the vehicle, minus its rear registration plate.

One of the letters on the front plate was also taped over to alter its appearance.

A police search found a mid-sized kitchen knife and some scissors linked to an alleged wounding at Ipswich Railway Station, the court was told.

Halliday told police he was homeless and kept the implements for protection.

Aden Reece Halliday outside the Ipswich courthouse on June 25, 2024.

Magistrate Robert Walker said Halliday’s behaviour in taking the car was unacceptable.

“Regardless of what circumstances might have been going on in the background for you, including ... your desire to come (to Ipswich) to see your mother, (it’s) simply not an excuse for terrible behaviour,” he said.

“The only appropriate order I can make is an order of imprisonment.”

Mr Walker sentenced him to four months’ jail, suspended for 12 months, as well as probation for 15 months.

Halliday was also fined $300 for driving without a licence.

Convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Man steal’s widow’s car, found 400km away