Brenton Phillip Rowe, charged with one count of public nuisance and one count of possessing a knife in public spot, scolded by Magistrate

A repeat offender with a long criminal history has been warned to “watch out” if he acts up again, after scaring McDonald’s staff and customers with a knife.

A Toowoomba man who terrified McDonald’s staff and customers in the early hours of a morning has been scorned by a magistrate, warning worse was to come should he act up again.

Brenton Phillip Rowe, 28, pleaded guilty at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on October 14 to one count of public nuisance and one count of possessing a knife in a public place.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Alister Windsor told the court Rowe approached a vehicle at the Goodna McDonald’s drive-through around 2am on August 6, 2022, holding a knife, to which the occupants of the vehicle wound up their windows.

Rowe re-entered the store and told the staff he had not received his second cheeseburger, and proceeded to argue and become belligerent towards staff, who claim he never placed an order for the burger, the court was told.

Brenton Phillip Rowe has faced Toowoomba Magistrates Court on one count of public nuisance and one count of possession of a knife in a public place. Friday, October 14, 2022.

Police were called to the scene where they found the accused sitting at a table by himself. A search of his bag uncovered a black-handled fishing knife with a “blade about 10cm in length”.

Solicitor Hamish Chapman, from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, told the court his client was currently on a probation order and suspended sentence, and was remorseful of his actions.

Mr Chapman said Rowe was intoxicated at the time, and had “attempted to engage in counselling services” to deal with a substance abuse issue.

“From his perspective, he’s done everything he can to engage with probation, and he’s simply waiting on an appointment,” Mr Chapman said.

Mr Chapman said it was his submission that his client would benefit from probation as a punishment, however Magistrate Kay Philipson strongly disagreed.

Brenton Phillip Rowe has faced Toowoomba Magistrates Court on one count of public nuisance and one count of possession of a knife in a public place. Friday, October 14, 2022.

“I’m not giving him more probation … he’s already on probation. Probation’s not going well if you ask me,” she said.

“You don’t keep offending when you’ve been given opportunities.”

The court heard Rowe had a 12-page criminal history and in the past breached bail, probation, and community service, the court heard.

“Why shouldn’t he have a sentence of imprisonment. He’s been given every opportunity,” Ms Philipson said.

“He’s clearly someone who has no regard for any orders that are made. He’s breached every order that has ever been made for him.

“In my view, he’s clearly not suitable for another community-based order.”

Row was sentenced to two months per charge imprisonment, to be served concurrently with immediate parole.

Ms Philipson, who said Rowe’s behaviour was “appalling”, warned that if he did not comply with orders made that day, he would “be going to jail immediately”.

“You’re 28, you’re not 12,” she said.

“If you come back before me, you better watch out.”

Do you or someone you know experience issues with alcohol and drugs? Head to adis.health.qld.gov.au or call 1800 177 833.