Man who stole from grandparents jailed

A 20-year-old man who stole over $5,000 worth of jewellery from his grandparents was today jailed for a year.

John Devonte Johnson of no fixed abode pleaded guilty earlier this year to breaking into his grandparents’ Warwick home on January 16 and stealing a variety of jewellery including gold rings, a gold charm, a gold coin and a gold bracelet, to the total value of $5,675.

Johnson was convicted last year of stealing jewellery from his grandfather.

Mitigating for Johnson, duty counsel Susan Moore-Williams said: ‘He is a very young man. We have people coming to our courts who are older and have a lot of life issues and still struggle with the issues that Mr Johnson struggles with.

“With his youth, we have a window where we can help him to turn to a more productive path.”

But crown counsel Nicole Smith said Johnson has shown no remorse for his actions.

“If this defendant is allowed to remain in the community, there’s every indication that he will repeat this offending behaviour.

“A custodial sentence will seek to deter him from his ways and protect the community.”

Sentencing Johnson, Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner said: “The only mitigating factor is that he pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage.

“However, he has convictions for similar previous offences and as a matter of fact, was on probation for a similar offences when he committed this offence.

“It’s my view that the public must be protected against this defendant.”

Johnson was sentenced to 12 months in prison followed by two years probation.