February 7, 2013
An 18-year-old youth formerly employed by a South Burnett freight delivery company pleaded guilty in Kingaroy Magistrates’ Court today to stealing an Apple iPhone.
Darren Lee Andersson was charged with one count of stealing as a servant between October 18, 2011 and January 8, 2013.
Police Prosecutor Sgt Nick Nitschke said Andersson sorted parcels into lots for delivery and also worked as a delivery driver.
He said police searched Andersson’s home while investigating a spate of thefts from the company, seizing the iPhone.
He said $10,000 worth of other items were still missing from the freight company.
Mr Mark Werner, for Andersson, said his client admitted stealing the phone but it was factually incorrect to imply he was involved with any other thefts.
He noted that Andersson was aged just 17 years and three months at the time of the offence and would not be treated as an adult in many other jurisdictions.
He said the theft was “opportunistic” and out of character. Andersson had lost his job and was now finding it hard to find work in the local area as a result.
Magistrate Mark Bucknall said he would disregard the information put to him in regards to other offences allegedly committed against the company.
However, he said the offence was a serious one because of the breach of trust and there must be a real deterrent.
Andersson was sentenced to 100 hours community service and ordered to pay $799 restitution. No conviction was recorded.
* * *
Two men charged with stealing as servants sought adjournments in Kingaroy Magistrates Court today.
Crowther Davidson Bedow and James Harrison Scott were remanded on bail to February 21. No pleas were entered.
