Man in court over alleged drug-fuelled escapades
MATTHEW James Turner was allegedly high on heroin and $300,000 richer and up for a lavish spending spree.
Brisbane Magistrates Court was told yesterday that the 24-year-old forked out $20,000 in cash for a silver Mazda RX-8 at a Brisbane car dealership before dropping $2500 on a men's watch.
But Sunshine Coast detectives allegedly caught him and an accomplice with $135,000 in cash on February 2, 2012.
The details of Turner's alleged drug-fuelled escapades were recounted in a committal hearing on Thursday.
The court heard that police approached Turner and another man on the Nambour Connection Rd at Woombye on February 2.
Police allege the pair fled and Turner threw away a cashed-filled bum bag.
Detectives eventually caught up and arrested the duo.
A police interview played in court revealed Turner confessing he broke into a woman's home in Deagon, in Brisbane's north, a week prior and stole $300,000 stashed in a bag in a wardrobe.
Turner said he was not willing to say how he knew the cash was at the house.
Brisbane-based Detective Sergeant Michael Jones said Turner's brother stayed at the residence, where a friend's relative lived, before the burglary.
Det Sgt Jones said the homeowner told police she frequently checked on the large sum of cash because she was "nervous" about having it in her house.
Turner, wrapped in a blanket and shaking, allegedly told police during the interview at Maroochydore Watchhouse in February 2012 he used the money on a "shopping spree".
He allegedly bought jewellery, including a chain and rings, as well as the watch, a car and drugs.
Maroochydore CIB Detective Senior Constable Shannon Dowd said Turner told him he used heroin three or four times a day.
The court heard Turner allegedly told police: "I spent $150,000 in the last f***ing week on a bit of heroin".
Turner also allegedly admitted to breaking into the Pizza Hut in Currimundi, a Subway store, a cafe and stealing from the Amart All Sports.
The defence confirmed there was a case against Turner.
Magistrate Liz Hall committed Turner to stand trial in the District Court on a date to be fixed.
