By Joseph Nathan, Staff Writer.
Hone McQueen didn’t waste time after pinching a pensioner’s wallet – within hours, he’d racked up nearly $1,300 in fuel, booze, and tools.
The 27-year-old from Mosgiel pleaded guilty to a laundry list of charges – unlawfully using a bank card, theft, dangerous driving, possessing an offensive weapon, assault in a family relationship, and wilful damage.
On August 28, McQueen spotted a 71-year-old man in traffic, punched his car door, and snatched his wallet. By the time the pensioner got to the police station, McQueen had already made 15 transactions.
Police later found the wallet – and the receipts – at McQueen’s house.
A month later, McQueen’s driving took a turn for the worse. He swerved into oncoming traffic, then pulled over and attacked another vehicle with a steel wheel brace.
Back in July, he also assaulted his partner – punching her, slamming a door on her hand, and smashing her phone.
McQueen’s lawyer blamed meth, adding that his client was “otherwise polite.”
Judge Dominic Flatley sentenced McQueen to 12 months’ home detention and ordered him to repay $1,284.83.
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