Wulguru man, Hayden Richard Stephen Brooker jailed after Alligator Creek, Elliott Springs car theft spree

A former award-winning BMX rider has been jailed for a crime spree that involved him asking a driver if they had insurance before he sped off stealing the vehicle.

Wulguru man, Hayden Richard Steven Brooker jailed after Alligator Creek, Elliott Springs car theft spree

A man has apologised to victims and asked a driver if they had insurance in what a judge has described as a ‘bizarre’ spree of attempted carjackings.

Hayden Richard Stephen Brooker commenced a series of drug-fuelled crimes in October 2023 while armed with a pretend firearm that was ultimately a pipe with Gaffer tape stuck to it, crown prosecutor Andrew Walklate said.

The now 30-year-old Brooker appeared in Townsville District Court on Wednesday morning supported by his family members.

Mr Walklate told the court Brooker lost his temper at his 71-year-old grandfather in Wulguru before taking off towards Elliott Springs driving erratically.

“The police reports that were received said that he was driving on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic,” the crown said.

When he arrived at a service station, Brooker blocked a woman in her 50s in by parking directly in front of her, and was armed with the makeshift weapon.

He told her he needed her car as police were on the way however the woman began reversing away and when he opened the car door she was able to slam it shut again before driving out.

Furthermore, Brooker turned to a man who was filling his car with petrol and apologised to him before saying he needed to take his car because police were after him and that he didn’t want to shoot him.

When the man saw the weapon he said, “what’s that supposed to be?” and tried to stall him.

Brooker then asked the man if his car was insured and let the man take out any personal items that were inside before getting in the car and driving off.

Mr Walklate said Brooker drove to another service station in Alligator Creek, this time attempting to take bikes from two motorcyclists and failed.

Additionally, he broke into a woman’s home where he stole just under $6000, jewellery and the keys to a car before shortly being found by police.

Defence barrister Darin Honchin instructed by Stevenson McNamara Lawyers said his client’s life spiralled out of control due to drugs after he had worked after school and was even winning state awards as a BMX rider.

He said he was doing well until getting involved with a colleague who was a recovering addict and started to use drugs again to stay away to complete long work hours.

“There are unusual features, like saying sorry to people and asking if he had insurance, letting the man take his stuff first,” Mr Honchin said.

Judge Gregory Lynham agreed there were “bizarre features” to the offending.

“You are the latest example that because of methamphetamine you find yourself being sentenced,” His Honour said.

“Eventually families give up and walk away.

“I note your family is here today, you can count yourself lucky your family is standing beside you.”

The man was visibly upset and nodded along.

Brooker pleaded guilty to 12 charges which included dangerous operation of vehicle, unlawful entry to vehicle to commit an indictable offence, burglary and stealing, attempted armed robbery and wilful damage.

He was sentenced to seven years jail and given a parole eligibility date from February 1, 2026. His Honour declared the 556 days he spent in pre-sentence custody as time already served.

Originally published as Wulguru man, Hayden Richard Stephen Brooker jailed after Alligator Creek, Elliott Springs car theft spree