Coin crook spree fed addiction to drug ice

A HOMELESS cat burglar scaled the roofs of car washes and used an angle grinder to break into the businesses to steal thousands of dollars worth of coins.

William John Radley, 38, smeared CCTV cameras with hand cream to block their view during his crime spree across the Coast between November 2018 and April this year.

He was fuelling an addiction to ice (methamphetamines).

Radley faced Southport Magistrates Court yesterday after 135 days behind bars.

He pleaded guilty to 19 offences, including entering premises by break, stealing, possessing housebreaking implements, possessing tainted property, possessing methamphetamines, breaching bail, drug driving and driving while disqualified.

In one example, police prosecutor Sergeant Reece Foort told the court that Radley broke into True Blue Carwash at Nerang between 4-4.30am on February 19.

“He used an angle grinder to cut a hole in the roof and gain entry to the office area,” he said.

“He then used a jimmy bar to gain access to the change dispensing machine.

“The business estimated that he decamped with about $3000 in $1 and $2 coins.”

On several occasions, Radley used tools to break into coin machines, including at University Square Laundromat, Parkwood on March 17.

Radley caused thousands of dollars damage. University Square was up to $12,000 out of pocket, Sgt Foort said.

Magistrate Kerry Magee said Radley lived “a fairly blameless life” before his twopage criminal history began in 2016.

Radley was sentenced to a 12-month overarching jail term and released on immediate parole. He was disqualified from driving for four years and must pay $1400 compensation.