Stephen Flanders in court for Bluebirds United Sports Club theft

An ice addict used beer as a distraction to gain access to a bar till only months after stealing from an elderly lady. Yet he would prove a rather unsophisticated thief.

Bluebirds United Sports Club in Rockhampton was targeted by a brazen thief.

A brazen thief who targeted a community sporting club and an elderly lady in her own home has been brought to justice.

Stephen Michael John Flanders, 36, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court on April 13 to stealing, and entering a dwelling and stealing.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Kevin Ongheen said on the afternoon of October 11, 2022, Flanders was drinking at Bluebirds United Sports Club in North Rockhampton.

Sgt Ongheen said about 5.15pm, Flanders approached the bar and placed an empty glass on the bar.

Flanders then asked to buy a case of beer.

Sgt Ongheen said as the bar attendant went into the cold room to get the beer, Flanders ran behind the bar to the till where he opened it and took $2500 cash before running out the front door of the club.

The court heard that a scenes of crime officer had forensically examined the beer glass that was left on the bar and found Flanders’ fingerprint.

Police later caught up with Flanders in the gaming area at the Berserker Tavern, also in North Rockhampton, and when questioned, he made full admissions to stealing the money from Bluebirds.

In relation to targeting an elderly lady, the court heard that it happened months earlier.

About 2pm on March 13, 2022, Flanders entered a 68-year-old woman’s home in Spike Street, Berserker, climbing through a window and stealing her handbag.

His fingerprint was found on the window sill.

Like his later offence, police caught up with Flanders in the Berserker Tavern gaming area and he made full admissions.

The court was told that Flanders had an “extensive” 10-page criminal history with his last dishonesty offence occurring in 2017.

Solicitor Ken Spinaze said Flanders was a father of five who was exposed to violence and substance abuse at an early age.

He said a relapse of an ice addiction led to Flanders’ recent offending.

Mr Spinaze said Flanders, who worked at a sailing club on a casual basis, had since engaged with drug rehab through ADOS and had “turned his life around.”

Magistrate Grace Kahlert sentenced Flanders to four months’ jail, wholly suspended for an operational period of 12 months.

Ms Kahlert ordered Flanders pay $2500 restitution and convictions were recorded.

Originally published as Stephen Flanders in court for Bluebirds United Sports Club theft