Crim strikes it unlucky in pokies arrest
A CONVICTED robber on parole has been jailed for 15 offences, including firearm and drug charges, after being arrested playing the pokies.
Michael John Lynch pleaded guilty to a string of offences including possessing a firearm, possessing a category M weapon, drug possession, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and driving while disqualified.
Supported by his girlfriend in court, Lynch appeared via a video-link from Townsville Correctional Centre.
On June 17, 2019, the court heard Lynch was on parole and disqualified from driving when police located him driving a stolen blue Commodore with stolen number plates.
Police searched the vehicle and found 30-calibre ammunition, a shortened firearm and nunchucks.
Magistrate Cathy Wedley condemned Lynch’s behaviour and his disregard for the safety of himself and the broader community.
“It is concerning that the shortened firearm had ammunition in it and it was loaded and ready for firing,” she said.
The court was told that on June 20, 2019 police observed the 26-year-old on CCTV in the Stockland Shopping Centre carpark driving the stolen blue Commodore.
Police located the car in the Dalrymple Hotel carpark and Lynch was arrested while playing the pokies on a return to prison warrant.
Lynch was found to be in possession of 1.84g of cannabis, 0.26g of ice, scales, scissors, a straw and a double-edged push knife.
The court heard Lynch had a long serious criminal history and had been sentenced to three years jail in 2018 for robbery and had six previous disqualified driving charges.
Lawyer for Lynch, Phil Rennick said his client had a Year 7 education, had been diagnosed with ADHD and feared he was becoming institutionalised after spending much of the last three years in jail.
In summing up, Magistrate Wadley acknowledged Mr Rennick’s remarks but emphasised the onus was on Lynch to take responsibility for his own actions.
Magistrate Wadley sentenced Lynch to six months jail for unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, possessing a firearm and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two months jail for breach of disqualified driving and one month jail for the rest of the offences.
Lynch will be eligible for parole on November 22, 2019.
Convictions were recorded.