Brad William Wilkie cops court fine for not reporting stolen rifles

After his then Southbrook home was burgled he moved his two rifles to another address – from where they were stolen.

The 46-year-old had moved his two rifles to another address fearing they could be stolen in a break-in.

Fearing his registered guns would be stolen, a man moved two rifles from his Southbrook home to a Drayton address from where they were stolen.

After his Southbrook home had been burgled, Brad William Wilkie moved two rifles to a Drayton address some time between January 1, 2020, and July 22, this year, Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told.

The .22 and .41 calibre rifles were placed in a secured toolbox under the house but under the legislation the box had to be attached to the house, police prosecutor Cameron Francis explained.

Wilkie failed to report the change of address for the rifles and their ultimate loss, he said.

He told police he “put the word out” regarding the loss of the rifles in the hope of getting them back, Mr Francis said.

The 46-year-old pleaded guilty to three weapons offences including lost or stolen weapons, secure storage of weapons – licensee, and contravention of licence condition.

Duty solicitor Jag MacDonald, of MacDonald Law, said his client had an idea who might have taken the rifles and had hoped to have them returned before police involvement.

His client had suffered a break down after a divorce six years ago but was studying to become a disability support worker and asked that the convictions not be recorded as he would need a Blue Card, Mr MacDonald said.

His client was unemployed but had just sold his house so could pay a fine, he submitted.

Magistrate Graham Lee said the weapons offences were very serious but ordered the convictions not be recorded and fined Wilkie $1400.