Darius Webb also stole the vehicle to attend the Boulia Rodeo on April 26, 2013.

He was in the dock when he pleaded guilty to the charge.

Webb was placed on a good behaviour bond lasting six months.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Paige Barrow said Webb was a stock hand for a cattle company.

Three weeks into the job Webb asked his employer for time off to attend the funeral, Senior Constable Barrow said.

The employer asked for details of the funeral, but was not given them, so refused the time off. 

At 1am on April 26 Webb and a friend stole a Toyota Landcruiser and two motorcycles on the back of it, the court heard.

The vehicle ran out of fuel and was found in scrubland by the side of the road about 11 hours later. 

“There was no damage to the vehicle, it was in the same condition other than having no fuel,” Senior Constable Barrow said. 

Solicitor of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, Bob Quilliam, said the main reason his client stole the vehicle was to get to the grandmother’s funeral and the Boulia Rodeo was a minor reason. 

Webb had no previous criminal history. 

The conviction was not recorded.