Soggy end to drunk crime spree

A TWEED HEADS plumber stole a pizza delivery man’s bike and jumped into the Nerang River during a drunken night of stupidity, a court has heard.

Ryan Daniel Doyle, 26, was so drunk he does not remember a thing and spent 16 hours in police custody drying out.

Doyle pleaded guilty in the Southport District Court yesterday to assault, stealing from a person, obstructing police and two counts of wilful damage.

Judge Ian Dearden sentenced him to complete 100 hours of community service in 12 months for the drunken crime spree. Doyle apologised during sentencing.

“I just want to do my best to continue to move forward on the right path,” he said.

Prosecutor Emily Coley told the court Doyle and two other men were in Surfers Paradise late on May 18 last year when he kicked a car entering a car park and then kicked the wing mirror off a second car.

Minutes later the group ran into a Domino’s pizza delivery man riding his bike through Surfers Paradise.

One of the men pushed the delivery rider off the bike and Doyle kicked at him.

Ms Coley said Doyle then struggled with the deliveryman and then stole his bike. He was soon spotted by police.

“He rode away from police and eventually fell off the bike,” she said.

The pursuit ended when Doyle went into the Nerang River, taking refuge on a small island.

Police managed to convince him to return to shore and then took him to the watchhouse.

Ms Coley said he remained in custody until he was sober enough to be released – 16 hours later.

The court was told Doyle did not know the other two men.

Convictions were recorded.