July 26, 2020
A 21-year-old Blackbutt man who pleaded guilty to 33 charges in the Brisbane District Court on July 16 has been released on immediate parole.
Cody Cortes had been charged with multiple counts including stealing, unlawful use of motor vehicles, wilful damage, arson, assault, obstructing police, evading police, trespass, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, break-and-enters, unlicensed driving, possessing drugs and drug utensils, unlawfully entering farming land and breaching bail.
The majority of the offences were committed in July last year in Chinchilla, Upper Yarraman, Maidenwell and Blackbutt.
The court was told Cortes had been on parole at the time of the crime spree, which included stealing a 4WD from Chinchilla which was later found torched near Nanango.
Brisbane barrister Robert Glenday, for Cortes, told the court his client had been using 1g of ice a day at the time.
Judge Rinaudo sentenced Cortes to a maximum of five years’ jail, which he immediately suspended.
“The offender must not commit another offence punishable by imprisonment within a period of five years if the offender is to avoid being dealt with for the suspended term of imprisonment,” Judge Rinaudo said.
Convictions were recorded.
Cortes had been in custody for 162 days, which the court marked as time served.
Judge Rinaudo also disqualified Cortes from holding a driver’s licence for two years.
