Fuel theft spree blamed on PTSD

A FORMER excavator operator suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a workplace explosion has admitted to a string of fuel driveoffs spanning almost five years.

Gilles Sylvain Ragobert, 48, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty in the Ingham Magistrates Court on Thursday to three counts of stealing from three Queensland petrol stations, the first of which occurred on December 27, 2014, followed by two incidents in June last year.

The cost of the fuel, respectively, was for $46.56, $84.20 and $92.20.

Police prosecutor Bimal Raut said that although Ragobert had a clean criminal record, he was concerned about the “persistent” nature of the offending.

Defence lawyer Sarah Belford said Ragobert was originally from New South Wales but from the time of the most recent offending had “found himself to be in Queensland relocating his elderly mother to Cardwell”.

“I am instructed that at time of those offences he was effectively homeless, had nowhere to stay and had been staying in his car.”

Ms Belford said Ragobert was receiving work compensation for a mental health issue, and was receiving treatment for PTSD.

“That’s as a result of a blast that occurred at a work site when he was working as an excavator operator at the time,” she said. “He’s now medicated for that, Your Honour.”

Ms Belford said her client had no clear memory of the 2014 theft.

She described the offences as out of character, and urged a fine and restitution.

Magistrate Scott Luxton said falling on hard financial times “offers you no excuse” but said it would be taken into consideration.

He did, however, also have to consider the financial impacts on the affected businesses.

Ragobert was fined $400 and ordered to pay restitution of $222.96.

No convictions corded. were re