A Townsville fisherman has been sentenced to two and a half years behind bars for a destructive crime spree that left a local holiday apartment in ruins.
A Spree of Destruction and Theft
In the Townsville District Court, Judge Gregory Lynham detailed the series of offences committed by 28-year-old Joshua Troy Wyles. The crimes occurred over several months in 2023, painting a picture of escalating criminal behaviour.
The most visually shocking act was the trashing of a holiday apartment on The Esplanade in Pallarenda in early November. Wyles broke into the property and caused extensive vandalism. The court heard he smashed furniture, broke a television, and damaged walls and doors. The total cost of the destruction was significant, leaving the property unfit for holidaymakers.
This was not an isolated incident. Wyles's crime spree also included the theft of a boat and trailer from a Ross River address in September. In a separate incident, he stole tools from a vehicle parked at a Bohle service station. His activities culminated in a dangerous police chase on November 10, where he drove a stolen Toyota Hilux utility at high speeds through the suburbs of Deeragun and Mount Low, ignoring police attempts to stop him.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Joshua Troy Wyles pleaded guilty to a total of 13 charges. These charges encompassed a range of offences including enter premises and commit, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, and obstructing police.
During sentencing, Judge Lynham noted the serious impact of Wyles's actions, particularly the wilful damage to the holiday apartment. The judge emphasised that such crimes affect not just property owners but also the local tourism economy, which relies on holiday lettings.
Defence lawyer Jordan Ahlstrand told the court his client had been struggling with substance abuse issues at the time of the offences. He stated Wyles was remorseful for his actions and was taking steps towards rehabilitation while in custody.
The Final Verdict and Consequences
Taking into account the guilty plea and the time Wyles had already spent in pre-sentence custody, Judge Lynham handed down a head sentence of two and a half years imprisonment. The court set a parole eligibility date of August 9, 2024, meaning Wyles could be released on parole after serving a portion of his sentence.
The 28-year-old will serve at least eight months in actual custody before being eligible for release into the community under supervision. This sentence serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for destructive crime sprees that target both private property and local businesses in the Townsville community.
