The incarcerated brother of murdered Warilla teen Jye McWatters will be reunited with his grieving family sooner than anticipated after successfully appealing the length of his jail sentence.
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Dale McWatters, the older brother of the slain teen, had his 18-month prison term reduced to 14 months during a NSW District Court appeal in Wollongong on Wednesday.
McWatters, who was in custody on other matters when his brother was murdered on Boxing Day last year, told the court he had not been allowed to attend his brother’s funeral, making his time in jail more difficult.
He said he wanted to go to drug rehabilitation when released and planned to get a job and move in with his grandmother in the same address where his brother was shot.
The court heard his most recent crimes, the subject of the appeal, revolved around getting money for drugs.
On April 27 – less than three weeks after being released from jail on prior matters – McWatters made off with $4,500 from the Warilla Bowling Club when cashier briefly left money unattended on thew gaming counter.
Police were able to identified him from CCTV footage which captured the incident, however, he remained on the run until May 18, when he was arrested over a low-speed pursuit that ended with him colliding with a stationary vehicle.
The court heard patrolling officers had tried to pull McWatters over but he accelerated off, driving through multiple streets before crashing on View Street.
If you get out [of jail] without help it would detrimental for you and the people of Wollongong
- Judge Andrew Haesler
He abadnoned the vehicle and his two passengers and ran towards nearby houses. Officers gave chase, eventually arresting him.
He was found with a litany of illicit and prescription drugs, which he admitted to taking before driving.
In court on Wednesday, Judge Andrew Haesler said McWatters did not deserve a second chance, however said it would be in his best interests if he was given a longer parole period under the supervision of Probation and Parole..
“If you get out [of jail] without help it would detrimental for you and the people of Wollongong,” he said.
“Use the time to go the rehabilitation.”
However, he warned McWatters if he squandered the opportunity he would soon find himself back behind bars.