BREAKING: A Craisbrook man, Nathan Weightman, has been sentenced following a series of dangerous driving incidents and vehicle thefts that terrorized central Victoria. The Bendigo Magistrates’ Court revealed shocking details as Weightman pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including theft and dangerous driving, with a history of substance abuse and criminal activity.
Between December 2024 and September 2025, authorities reported a string of thefts across key locations including Maryborough, Creswick, Kyneton, and Stawell. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Benjamin Bradford detailed the alarming incidents, including a break-in at a Toyota dealership in Melton on March 11, 2025, where a vehicle was stolen using a key programming device.
On May 17, a hardware store in Creswick was targeted, resulting in a trailer loaded with stolen items before the perpetrators fled. Just weeks later, on July 7, another Toyota was stolen from a dealership in Stawell. The court heard that Weightman was captured on CCTV driving this stolen vehicle at a Maryborough McDonald’s on July 28, with false registration plates.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Weightman’s residence on August 22, discovering stolen goods from multiple burglaries, including the vehicles from the Melton and Stawell incidents. A key programming device was found in Weightman’s backpack, along with clothing matching what was seen in the surveillance footage.
On September 3, police observed Weightman leaving his home in a black Ford Focus, driving over 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. After initially complying with police signals, he sped away, prompting officers to abandon the pursuit for safety reasons. Another search on September 9 led to the recovery of more stolen items from his property, resulting in his remand.
Defense attorney Alexis Buckley highlighted Weightman’s struggles with narcotics, including methamphetamine and GHB, suggesting that he has begun a path to rehabilitation. Magistrate Megan Aumair condemned Weightman’s “appalling” history, warning that without change, he risks spending the prime of his life behind bars.
Weightman received a sentence of 78 days in jail, with time served, and was placed under an 18-month community corrections order focused on drug counseling and re-offender courses. His driver’s license has been canceled for 18 months.
This case underscores the urgent need for intervention in the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse and criminal behavior. Authorities and community members are now watching closely for the impact of this sentencing on Weightman’s future and the broader implications for public safety in Victoria.
As developments unfold, the community remains on high alert for any further incidents related to this case.
