Anthony Burns, 35, sentenced for terrifying attack on partner, string of thefts in Toowoomba

A man who stole more than $6000 from residents and businesses claimed to have never touched alcohol in his life, despite stealing hundreds from bottle shops.

Anthony John Burns, 35, sentenced in Toowoomba for burglary, enter premises and multiple stealing charges. Picture: Facebook.

An Oakey man terrorised his partner and stole in excess of $6000 from residents and businesses, stashing cash between his butt cheeks.

Recidivist thief Anthony John Burns, 35, pleaded guilty before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday to a string of 24 offences including burglary, enter premises and commit and multiple thefts.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Chris Willson detailed numerous occasions where the 35-year-old stole from business, including Toowoomba Hospital, Woolworths and bottle shops.

“He goes out of his way to enter businesses and steal property with a predetermined purpose,” he said.

“He (told police) he went into Woolworths with the purpose of stealing meat, he then said he went into BWS with a predetermined purpose of stealing alcohol.”

Among the items stolen were $700.97 in alcohol, $300 in meat, $2547 in smart watches and a hospital donation tin.

Mr Burns was also found stealing from multiple private dwellings, on one occasion caught with $1250 in cash stuffed between his buttocks and, on another, seen riding away on a resident’s $1880 e-bike.

He was further accused of viciously menacing his partner forcing entry into the home, cutting power to the house and causing her to flee through an open window.

When arrested, Mr Burns was found with three box cutter knives in his possession.

“It is quite concerning,” Constable Willson said.

He advised the court Mr Burns had a long history of property offending dating back years.

“The defendant’s history doesn’t do him any favours,” he said.

Despite his admission to purposefully stealing liquor, Mr Burn’s solicitor Kate McIntyre of MacDonald Law claimed he was strictly non-alcoholic.

“He met his father for the first time at 11 years old, who he describes as a good dad but says he was always drunk and because of this Mr Burns has never, ever consumed alcohol,” she said.

Picture: File.

Ms McIntyre said Mr Burns had struggled with drugs from childhood and was in the depths of addiction during his offending.

She said her client had issues stemming from feeling like his “parents didn’t want anything to do with him”.

“He is incredibly ashamed and embarrassed of his actions,” Ms McIntyre said.

Magistrate Kyna Morice condemned Mr Burns for his “atrocious” criminal history.

“You can’t help yourself,” she said.

She made special mention of Mr Burn’s action against his partner, calling into question the legacy he was leaving for his young daughter.

“If that’s not an act of severe intimidation, I don’t know what is,” she said.

“The fear that you placed in the aggrieved that night would have been extreme.

“You need to ensure that you act in a manner which shows your daughter what a proper relationship is and not teach her to be a victim.”

Mr Burns was sentenced to 25 months imprisonment with 227 declared time served.

He will be released on parole on December 6, 2024.