A North Queensland man will spend time behind bars after a local court heard details of a crime spree targeting property in the Ingham area.
Court Hears Details of Property Offences
Clint Victor Alaban, 30, faced the Ingham Magistrates Court on multiple charges related to property. The court was told that Alaban's offending occurred on December 10, 2023. He pleaded guilty to the series of charges brought against him.
Among the offences were entering a dwelling and committing an indictable offence, as well as unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The details presented to the court painted a picture of a targeted series of crimes affecting local residents and their possessions.
Sentencing and Prior History Considered
In determining the sentence, Magistrate Steven Mosch took into account Alaban's criminal history. The magistrate noted that the defendant had a relevant prior record, which influenced the court's decision on the appropriate penalty.
For the charge of entering a dwelling, Alaban was sentenced to 15 months in prison. A concurrent sentence was imposed for the unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The court ordered that the prison term be suspended after Alaban has served four months in custody. The operational period of the suspended sentence was set for three years.
This means Alaban will be released from prison after serving four months, but will be subject to the suspended sentence order for three years. If he reoffends during that period, he could be forced to serve the remainder of the prison term.
Additional Penalties and Consequences
The court also handed down additional penalties for other related charges. Alaban was convicted and fined $750 for the possession of a knife in a public place. Furthermore, he was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driver's licence for two years.
Magistrate Mosch emphasised the seriousness of the offences, particularly the invasion of a person's home. The sentence reflects the court's stance on protecting community safety and property rights in the Ingham region.
The outcome serves as a reminder of the legal consequences facing individuals who engage in property crime in North Queensland communities. Local police have consistently targeted such offences, which have a significant impact on victims' sense of security and wellbeing.
