Australia: One year's jail for an habitual criminal!

Burglar Drue Phillip Tryhorn is a perfect example of the debate raging about Queensland's parole system. Tryhorn, 23, made headlines earlier this year when he escaped from the Sandgate watch-house while held for a series of break-and-enter type offences. He was before the District Court in Brisbane yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to 16 offences including escaping from lawful custody, serious assault, break enter and stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing and obstructing police.

Prosecutor Zoe Rutherford said that during a two-month period from April to June this year Tryhorn committed seven break and enters and other offences with a total loss to the community of $51,600. Tryhorn was being held at the watch-house for the offences when he overpowered a female police officer and escaped from a secured yard. Ms Rutherford said Tryhorn had begun reoffending recently after being released from jail.

Barrister Chris Wilson, for Tryhorn, said his client was 17 years old when jailed for robbery and sentenced to 41/2 years with a recommendation for parole after 15 months. "But he didn't get parole and served every day of the 41/2 years before being released without supervision," he said. Mr Wilson said his client had received no help for his drug addiction and it was obvious Tryhorn needed lengthy supervision. "My client is only 23 years old but has already spent nearly six years in jail where he has received little help," he said.

Judge John Newton noted the case highlighted both sides of the debate on granting early parole. It was a matter of regret Tryhorn had not received some assistance while in jail and when released for his obvious problem with drugs. "On the other hand the parole board was shown to be correct when it refused you parole because you were considered a threat to the community of reoffending," he said.

Judge Newton told Tryhorn his criminal record for a man of his age was "disgraceful". But he said he would give Tryhorn one last chance to rehabilitate with help. Judge Newton jailed Tryhorn for 3 1/2; years on the dishonesty charges and a cumulative six months for escaping from custody. But he suspended the total four years' jail after one year and ordered Tryhorn perform three years' of probation.

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