Man faces court over classic car theft

A FORMER criminal gang debt collector stole a vintage 1970 Ford Falcon from the owner’s garage, police allege.

Norman Dale Potts did not enter a plea in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possessing stolen property and entering premises to commit an indictable offence.

He was granted bail despite his extensive criminal history.

“He was previously employed as a criminal debt collector using violence,” Police prosecutor Senior Constable Rachel France told the court.

The court was told Potts, who lives in Beachmere north of Caboolture, was found by police in a Gold Coast tourist park during the weekend.

Sen Const France said the car was stolen from the owner’s garage on March 23 and was found that day under a cover in Potts’ brother’s garage in Beachmere. The court was told CCTV footage showed Potts parking the car.

Defence lawyer Andrew Owens said Potts would contest the charges and that his last criminal offence was six years ago.

Magistrate Kay Philipson granted Potts bail on the condition he report to police every Friday. The matter will return to court on October 25.