Cat burglar freed after 19 months
Four-years for serial apartment thief but… Street patrols prove fruitful
A CAIRNS thief who targeted tourists as they slept and stole a $12,000 diamond ring is back on the streets.
Father-of-four Sean Charles Murphy pleaded guilty to 23 offences including 14 different burglary and stealing incidents at holiday apartments across Cairns.
The 40-year-old was jailed for four years but released immediately because he had already spent about 19 months in jail awaiting sentence.
Emily Coley, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that Murphy hit 15 units, usually between the first and third floors. He would usually enter through a balcony door, which had been left open overnight. Sometimes he had to force entry.
“On each of those occasions there were occupants asleep in those units,” Ms Coley said.
“On six of those occasions the occupants woke to the defendant in the unit.”
The Cairns District Court was told that Murphy stole easily accessible personal items including currency, credit cards, bags, wallets passports, ID cards, mobile phones and other electronic items.
Ms Coley said that on one occasion he took a diamond ring valued at $12,000 and a car.
Murphy committed some of the offences less than one month after being released on bail for other property crimes.
The court was told that Murphy’s criminal history had entries in Queensland and New South Wales.
Defence barrister Josh Trevino said two important factors were his pleas of guilty and the time already spent behind bars.
By pleading guilty Mr Trevino said his client had saved a costly trial.
Murphy had also been keeping busy in jail by attending alcoholics and narcotics anonymous sessions, working and improving his education.
Mr Trevino said Murphy was very motivated to make something of himself on his release from jail.
Convictions were recorded.
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