Neil Michael Gibson in Biloela court for stealing

After a towing company was tasked by police to collect a stolen car full of flogged pub booze, employees helped themselves to the alcohol which was to be used as evidence, a court has heard.

Neil Michael Gibson, 53, faced Biloela Magistrates Court for stealing. Generic image.

A Central Queensland court has heard about a bizarre crime where tow truck company employees, who were meant to be helping police with secure storage, stole an alcohol booty that was police evidence.

Diesel fitter Neil Michael Gibson, 53, pleaded guilty in Biloela Magistrates Court on July 5 to stealing evidence.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said on June 8, police found a stolen Ford Ranger on an alleyway near Kariboe St, Biloela.

Sgt Ongheen said the vehicle contained “a large quantity of alcohol” which was stolen from the Duaringa Hotel.

The prosecutor said police seized the stolen vehicle and arranged for a tow-truck to transport it back to the company’s holding yard. 

The court heard that before police could forensically examine the stolen vehicle, which was to be kept in secure storage at the company, a few of its staff members helped themselves to some of the alcohol inside of it.

Queensland Police Service evidence was stolen from Biloela, a court heard. Generic image.

“It was identified that several employees, including (Gibson) had stolen alcohol from police possession,” Sgt Ongheen said.

“The employees made admissions to the theft and subsequently returned a small portion of it.

“(Gibson) made admissions to stealing alcohol from within that vehicle … he stated he understood the alcohol was the property of the police at the time of taking it.”

The court heard that on Gibson’s criminal history was a relevant entry – a stealing by clerk or servant offence from 2009.

Solicitor Richard Parks said Gibson was a diesel fitter who had a wife, three children and grandchildren, and he was very remorseful for his actions.

Mr Parks said Gibson had taken six cans of Jack Daniels and three cans of Jim Beam, all of which were returned to police.

“So he (Gibson) didn’t even have the opportunity to drink it,” Mr Parks said.

“He was co-operative with the police, he admitted to it, he’s shown remorse – it was a stupid thing to do, he realises it.”

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale fined Gibson $1000 and she did not record a conviction.

Originally published as Neil Michael Gibson in Biloela court for stealing