Man stole from mum

A THIEF has stolen from his own mother just days after having being spared hard time and given the benefit of a suspended prison sentence.

Owen James Nicholas stole his mother’s car, burgled batteries and was caught in possession of knives and dangerous drugs.

Nicholas pleaded guilty to 11 charges before Townsville Magistrates Court on Monday.

Police prosecutor Codie Rowe said Nicolas had been sentenced to 14 months’ jail, wholly suspended on January 30, for “similar offences” including fraud after selling a metal detector stolen from his mother’s home.

Nicholas stole his mother’s car on or about February 4 and used the vehicle when he stole batteries destined for recycling.

The 27- year- old was pulled over by police while driving his mother’s car on Stuart Drive, Wulguru, on March 29.

He tested positive for methamphetamine in his system and was found in possession of the same illicit drug.

He was charged with drug offences and possessing a knife in a public place.

Nicholas’ defence lawyer Zoe Navarro submitted that enacting the suspended sentence and adding an additional four months would be appropriate but the magistrate rejected her submission.

“Four? I wouldn’t dream of it Ms Navarro,” he said. “I think four months is totally inadequate.”

Peter Smid sentenced Nicholas to a 12- month head sentence for the most recent offending and enacted the 14month suspended sentence, totalling 26 months.

Having already spent 74 days in custody Mr Smid ordered the 27- year- old be released on parole on July 27 to give him a lengthy period on parole.

He was also fined $ 300 and had his licence disqualified for nine months drug driving.

“Upon release from prison you need to report to the parole authority,” Mr Smid said.

“I want you to know that the parole authority in my view are quite ruthless, if they don’t like the way you conduct yourself or you don’t report … it doesn’t have to come back before me. They can just go out and pick you up and put you in prison.

“You are a prisoner now for the entirety of your sentence.” because of the