Burg-liar hard to believe

A MAGISTRATE refused to believe a recidivist offender found with a torch, bolt cutters, screwdriver and gloves on a Toowoomba street at 4.30 in the morning had an innocent explanation for the items.

Scott Noel Robert Shillingsworth had been dressed in dark clothing and carrying a bag when a police patrol saw him walking on Stephen St about 4.30am last Friday.

Seeing police, the 44-year-old had run off but fell over and was apprehended, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

He told police he used the latex gloves to keep his hands warm and that he had only just found the bolt cutters on the ground moments earlier, police prosecutor Leea Trewin told the court.

He told police he was homeless and had the torch to see his way on the street but he had no explanation for the screwdriver hanging on a chain around his neck, Senior Constable Trewin said.

Also found with him were two knives and three plastic bags with remnants of methamphetamine crystals, the court heard.

Shillingsworth had spent seven days since his arrest in custody before pleading guilty to possessing instruments of house break in the night, possessing knives in a public place, possessing drugs and associated utensils and to possessing a water pipe used for smoking drugs.

His solicitor Shane MacDonald told the court his client instructed he had been basically homeless for the past 10 years and the only bed he’d slept in over the past eight years was when he was in jail.

Magistrate Damian Carroll said he was not prepared to accept the tools Shillingsworth had with him were for anything other than potential break-ins.

Noting the 44-year-old had 10 pages of criminal history, Mr Carroll sentenced Shillingsworth to four months in jail but ordered he be released immediately on parole.