Jake Morgan charged with burglary of Backstage Bar, whose owner Jimmy Hoyle faces trouble himself

A Tasmanian man allegedly burgled a bar on its last legs amid a string of property offending. The burglary is another blow for the bar’s licensee, who faces his own legal trouble.

Launceston man Jake Christopher Morgan, 25. Picture: Facebook

A young Tasmanian man is alleged by police to have stolen $2600 worth of electronics across three incidents, including during a burglary of a stricken bar, the licensee of which faces his own legal troubles.

Trevallyn man Jake Christopher Morgan, 25, appeared in Launceston Magistrates Court on Wednesday for the first mention of four charges, three counts of stealing and one of burglary.

Tasmania Police allege the thefts, committed on March 12, March 28 and April 8, netted Mr Morgan two phones and a tablet worth a combined $2600.

Police also allege that both the March thefts were committed in Launceston, while the April 8 theft of a Samsung mobile phone allegedly occurred at George Town.

The first theft allegedly occurred during a burglary of Brisbane St watering hole Backstage Bar & Restaurant. It netted a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet, police allege.

Backstage Bar & Restaurant Launceston, formerly known as Phoenix. Picture: Alex Treacy

Mr Morgan did not enter any pleas. His charges were adjourned to June 13.

One of Mr Morgan’s alleged victims, Rocherlea man James William Hoyle, 33, the licensee of Backstage, is himself facing legal troubles.

Last week, Hoyle pleaded guilty in Launceston Magistrates Court to nine offences including drug driving, possession of methamphetamine, and other offences.

He pleaded not guilty to a tenth charge, stealing a Toyota Hiace rental van from Budget Car Rentals.

Backstage Bar and Restaurant Launceston owner Jimmy Hoyle. Picture: Alex Treacy

According to the facts alleged by police and obtained by the Mercury, Hoyle hired the van on June 12, 2022, agreeing to return it the next day.

After Hoyle retained the van, Budget reported it stolen on July 8.

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Hoyle was picked up by a mobile patrol on July 12 last year, where it was discovered he was driving with methamphetamine and cannabis in his system.

The defendant told police he had taken a “line of speed” just shy of seven hours before driving. He said he consumed cannabis and speed as it “allowed him to complete front/back of house at his own business,” the facts state.

Hoyle is approximately $100,000 in rental arrears, Hoyle previously told the court. Backstage has since closed permanently.

The alleged burglary, Hoyle’s debt and his criminal charges complete a torrid six months for the licensee.

The Mercury previously reported that on October 15 last year, a group of patrons, whom he was vaguely acquainted with, bashed him inside his own venue.

Hoyle will next appear on May 30 to be sentenced on the nine charges he pleaded guilty to. A hearing into the charge of motor vehicle stealing will occur on August 10.