Meth fuelled crime spree lands serial Toowoomba car thief behind bars

Named: A seasoned Toowoomba criminal has been jailed following a meth-fuelled crime spree that left a number of residents violated and without a car.

Gerald Malcolm Cole, 51, appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, March 25, and pleaded guilty to 27 crimes which included stealing five cars, possessing meth, and fuel drive-offs.

A Toowoomba man with a 16-page criminal history dating back to the 1990s said he’s ready to turn his life around after an elderly woman was injured during his crime spree.

Gerald Malcolm Cole, 51, appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, March 25, and pleaded guilty to 27 crimes which included stealing five cars, possessing meth, and fuel drive-offs.

The court heard the 51-year-old was on parole during the meth-fuelled crime spree that occurred across Toowoomba, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast between December 2022 and April 2023.

The Toowoomba Court House. Toowoomba City police station watchhouse. Picture: Peta McEachern

He was subject to a curfew and residential check at a Glenvale property at the time of the offending.

The 30-year career criminal entered a number of homes and stole car keys before taking off in the victim’s cars.

Police prosecutor Tim Hutton said on one occasion Cole and two co-offenders ransacked a Toowoomba home on April 6, and when patrolling officers spotted him walking down Perry Street about a week later, he ran.

Mr Hutton said after a foot pursuit through Harlaxton, and a number of properties, Cole was arrested on April 14, 2023, where he has been in custody since.

He noted one of the cars Cole stole was used in a violent robbery at the Clifford Gardens car park on April 12, 2023.

Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre, Toowoomba.

In February 2024, Cole pleaded guilty to robbery in company with personal violence and was sentenced to a three year jail term.

Solicitor Claire Graham said following the violent robbery, and Cole’s recent incineration, he was “horrified” an elderly woman was injured during the crime and was now clean from drugs.

She noted during Cole’s previous jail stint he continued to use, however this time he completed a number of courses and certificates, and now had a job lined up upon his release.

Cole was sentenced to an 18-month jail term, his licence was disqualified for six months and the 346 days he spent in custody was declared as time served.

Cole will be released on parole on April 13, 2024.