Creedence Leigh Dilger sentenced in court for stealing

A drunk man stole a money caddy from a taxi in Rockhampton following an argument about his fare. Read what happened to the offender in court.

A drunk man stole a money caddy containing $56.60 from a taxi in Rockhampton following an argument about his fare.

Creedence Leigh Dilger, 21, pleaded guilty in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on March 24 to one count of stealing.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Sarah Rowe said Dilger was in a taxi at Berserker Tavern on Dean Street, Rockhampton, on November 27, 2021 at 3.10am when he had an argument with the driver about the fare.

Senior Constable Rowe said as the driver went to step out of the taxi to contact police, Dilger grabbed the money caddy containing $56.60 and left on foot toward Diplock Street.

The Berserker Tavern, Rockhampton. Picture: Allan Reinikka

She said Dilger attended Rockhampton Police Station on March 9 and told police he was “highly intoxicated” and “probably would have taken the money caddy” but could not recall.

She said Dilger further stated to police that he would have taken the money caddy.

She said $68.60 restitution was sought.

Defence lawyer Samantha Legrady said her client had been suffering mental health issues and that alcohol was also an issue.

“He started drinking the day before as that was his birthday,” Ms Legrady said.

“He would have had about one to two cartons of beer and Woodstock.

“He has stopped drinking since this has occurred.”

Magistrate Jason Schubert told Dilger that if he can’t control his behaviour when drinking, “don’t drink to excess”.

“Keep your hands to yourself, that’s someone else’s property that they have worked hard for,” Mr Schubert said.

“You don’t get to avail yourself of someone else’s money just because you have had an argument.”

Dilger was fined $400 with no criminal conviction recorded and ordered to pay $68.60 restitution.

Originally published as Creedence Leigh Dilger sentenced in court for stealing