Bailey John Keep stole wallet same day as he was released on parole for previous offences

A 24-year-old father of two was returned to prison after stealing a wallet the same day he was released on parole.

A 24-year-old Toowoomba man who stole a wallet just hours after being released on parole has appeared back before court – from the prison.

Bailey John Keep had been released on court-ordered parole on September 6, 2023, yet just hours later he attended a community kitchen where a man had dropped his wallet, Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told on Monday, January 15.

Keep picked up the wallet, which had $120 cash and credit cards inside, and pocketed it, police prosecutor Julia Wheaton told the court.

Then, weeks later on September 29, Keep had become involved in an argument with his ex-partner’s new boyfriend who he eventually punched in the face and threatened to kill him, Sergeant Wheaton said.

Bailey John Keep returned to court for stealing a wallet the same day he was released on parole for other offences.

Keep had again become embroiled in an argument with his ex-partner at a Toowoomba shopping centre on October 27 after calling his ex-partner a number of derogatory names and throwing an object at her in breach of a court order that he have no contact with the woman.

Keep appeared via videolink from the jail to plead guilty to common assault, stealing, breaching a court order and public nuisance.

His solicitor Brad Skuse, of Skuse Graham Lawyers, told the court the theft of the wallet had been “opportunistic” and that the altercations with his ex-partner and her new partner had to do with family matters.

Prior to his incarceration, Keep had been working, he said.

Magistrate Clare Kelly declared 74 days of pre-sentence custody as time served under the sentence and sentenced Keep to three months in jail but ordered he be eligible to apply for parole immediately.