Bundy man jailed for thefts
A MAN who stole from a football club, a council and a dump committed the crimes out of "need not greed", a court was told.
Ethem Ozbebek, 44, faced Bundaberg District Court yesterday and he pleaded guilty to nine charges including four of breaking and entering, stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possessing tainted property.
Prosecutor Carson Lloyd said Ozbebek had stolen goods and caused damage of about $10,000.
Judge Michael Rackemann said Ozbebek had committed offences on several occasions at different locations including the South Kolan dump.
"You forced your way in and ultimately took off with a grinder and other assorted tools," he said.
"At the Mundubbera Rugby League Club...you forced your way in and you took off with a quantity of food and drink."
The court was told Ozbebek also took off with a Ford Ranger from the Logan City Council dump, which he drove around for a year before police caught him.
Judge Rackemann said the offences seem to have been committed out of "need, not greed", especially in the case of one occasion in which he stole a barbecue and other camping items for his campsite where he was living.
"These offences occurred in the context of a lengthy criminal history spanning three states," Judge Rackemann said.
"On the face of it, it suggests that your are a compulsive career offender but the submissions made on your behalf put some context to that."
Barrister Kim Bryson appeared for Ozbebek, a man of Turkish descent, and said the he suffered from schizophrenia.
"Since being in custody he has had a particularly difficult time," she said.
"He was assaulted and his nose was fractured.
"I'm instructed it was a racially motivated attack."
Ozbebek was sentenced to three years jail with parole eligibility set for October 1, taking into account 76 days he had already served in custody.
