Opportunistic robber released from prison a week earlier

A TOOWOOMBA man released from prison lasted seven days before he re-offended.

Walking past a home about 6.45pm on March 20 this year, Lionel Joseph Charles Pegler and a woman saw the front door was open, and walked inside.

Unarmed at the time, Pegler walked up behind the homeowner in his study and initially asked to use a phone, then money.

When the resident said he had no money, Pegler backed through the door onto the verandah, and stopped.

It was then he noticed a drill near the door which he picked up, pressed to the left side of the resident’s chest, and made further demands.

Crown prosecutor Cameron Wilkins told the District Court yesterday Pegler then rummaged through the house before taking a tablet computer, a phone and wireless ear buds in the robbery described as nonviolent, but opportunistic and prolonged.

The resident had suffered ongoing effects including feeling unsafe in his home and had installed security screens and cameras, and had to sleep with the light on.

In a victim impact statement tendered to the court, Mr Wilkins said the robbery had “quite an impact” on the resident who was now unable to “get a good night’s sleep”.

Pegler, 21, pleaded guilty to one count each of burglary and armed robbery in company.

He had been released from prison just seven days earlier having served time for various offences on being sentenced in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court, Mr Wilkins said.

Barrister Frank Martin, for Pegler, said his client was a drug addict, introduced to the drug ice by an uncle at the age of 14.

“He grew up believing ice was the normal thing,” he said.

Mr Martin said there was no premeditation to the offence and he had not been armed when he entered the premises.

He said there was no actual violence, but conceded the verbal threat would have been “quite frightening” for the resident.

Judge Nathan Jarro told Pegler his actions that night were “absolutely reprehensible”.

“When you picked up the drill that was there, it represented an opportunistic behaviour on your part and it was really unsophisticated,” he said.

Before handing down his sentence, Judge Jarro told Pegler to follow through his courses in prison, particularly in regards to drug addiction.

Having regard to Pegler’s young age, Judge Jarro sentenced Pegler to three years prison, terms which were to begin from September 16 this year.

A parole eligibility date was set for September 16 next year, and convictions were recorded.