A Central Queensland man has walked free after ‘incredibly concerning’ behaviour where he let himself into a family’s home in the dark of night into bedroom of a 13-year-old girl.
Edward Brian Oakley, 27, went on to tell prison staff, while he was held on remand, that he was “hearing voices”.
The Woorabinda born and raised man entered the Biloela home about 6am on August 22, 2022 through an unlocked door and entered the bedroom of a young girl.
He woke the 13-year-old girl up when he rubbed her leg.
Crown prosecutor Luke Smoothy told Rockhampton District Court the girl initially thought the defendant was a family member until he said ‘No. No. It’s OK.”
The victim screamed and Oakley fled.
“This was opportunistic and unusual offending,” Mr Smoothy said.
He said it would have been “extremely frightening” for the victim.
Defence barrister Sheridan Shaw said Oakley’s father died when he was a teenager and his mother still lived in their home town.
She said one of his sisters lived in Biloela and he had been visiting her at the time.
Ms Shaw said that under the supervision of the mental health team at the prison, Oakley told them he had been hearing voices.
She said he was now getting the depo injection as prescribed but had been off his medications at the time of the offending.
Oakley pleaded guilty on June 19 to one count of burglary and common assault.
Other charges were discharged.
The court heard he was contesting stalking allegations in relation to incidents involving another Central Queensland teenager.
Judge Jeff Clarke said Oakley’s offending was “incredibly concerning”.
Oakley was sentenced to 18 months prison with 297 days presentence custody declared as time served and released immediately on parole.
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