Magistrate hits out at low act

A GOLD Coast man stole his own mother’s car in an act which a magistrate described as “one of the most reprehensible things that can happen”.

Troy Lucas Dufty, 34, pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court to stealing a car, public nuisance and failing to appear in court.

Magistrate Donald MacKenzie sentenced him to three months prison with parole eligibility from yesterday.

Mr MacKenzie said it was clear that Dufty had broken all support ties he had in the community after stealing from his own mother.

“You have reached a situation where your mother is a criminal complainant against you which is one of the most reprehensible things that can happen,” Mr MacKenzie said.

The court heard that after taking his mother’s car with her permission from her Tamborine home, he failed to return it and she reported it as stolen. Days later he was seen walking down The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise yelling at himself and public.

Defence lawyer Mollie Roeper said Dufty had been getting treatment for his mental health issues throughout his adult life.