A reformed drug addict who helped steal seven cars in the space of 40 minutes says he will regret the thefts for the rest of his life.
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David James Peadon cut a chain link fence at Pickles Auctions in Fyshwick on December 16, 2018, and shorted its electric fence system by using a wooden plank to press down on a wire.
For some unknown reason, the site's alarm system didn't go off, and Peadon and his co-offender Ashley Figura rammed the yard's Gladstone Street entrance.
They made off with seven cars between 4am and 4.40am: a HSV Clubsport, Jeep Wrangler, Subaru WRX, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Liberty, BMW 135i and another HSV Commodore.
The cars' total value was more than $140,000.
A day later, Figura went back to the auction yard and Peadon helped him nab another two cars, worth a total of about $70,000.
The same day, Peadon and Figura stole a $50,000 Suzuki motorcycle off the back of a B-double.
Figura was later thwarted by his own backyard security camera, which showed him stashing the first seven cars from Pickles at his mother's place in Crestwood.
Peadon was caught on the CCTV system of a shop next door to Pickles, and his DNA was later identified on a Gatorade bottle police found in the B-double.
The now 37-year-old Peadon was charged with stealing the nine cars and the motorcycle, riding in another stolen car, trespassing at Pickles and damaging the yard's property.
He initially pleaded not guilty, but an ACT Supreme Court judgment published last week said he'd switched his pleas on what was meant to be the first day of his trial.
"[Peadon] says that he is 'deeply shamed [sic] of these charges' and describes it as 'a crime out of character'. That appears to be correct," Acting Justice Richard Refshauge said in the judgment.
"He says he will regret committing them 'for the rest of his life'. That is also obviously correct."
Acting Justice Refshauge sentenced Peadon to a total four years in prison for the offences, which he suspended immediately.
He said Peadon would have to be on a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Order for 12 months, and a good behaviour order for three years. Peadon spent 185 days in jail on remand for the offences.
The judge warned Peadon the treatment order was "not all roses", and he risked having to serve the suspended sentence in jail if he messed up.
He told Peadon that if he was committed to his rehabilitation and "if you put your kids front and centre as a motivation for that, then you will get through it".
Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
