Boilermaker's $400k theft damage bill

A Queensland boilermaker who racked up a $400,000 damage bill after selling stolen trailers and car parts and torching vehicles has been sentenced to five years in jail.

Edward Harold Alan Wilson, 27, appeared in the Brisbane District Court on Friday after he was charged with more than 90 offences from a series of break and enters, burglaries and arson.

Wilson admitted to police that he sold trailers stolen from a Queensland hire company for up to $1800 but in a series of interviews between June and August 2013, police realised the scale of his offending was far greater.

"He admitted to more offences than the police had evidence to link him to," Crown Prosecutor Catherine Birkett told the court.

Over more than three years, Wilson stole or damaged about $290,000 worth of trailers and car parts from 24 premises.

But Ms Birkett said one of the most serious offences occurred when he and another man caused $100,000 damage at one business after they sneaked in through a hole in the fence and stole some vehicles but burned others.

On one occasion, Wilson used his iPhone to record a co-accused throwing matches at a car he had removed the engine from before it ignited, the court heard.

His solicitor, Patrick Wilson, said his client had a difficult upbringing and had been addicted to drugs.

He tendered a letter from Wilson that showed "significant insight" into his problems and demonstrated remorse.

"Importantly, he speaks about missing his second daughter's birth ... which is something that troubles him greatly," Mr Wilson said.

The defendant had already served 15 months behind bars, where he had taken part in courses, gained employment and stayed clean.

Judge Anthony Rafter said he was impressed by Wilson's attempts to turn his life around.

"I would encourage you to continue those efforts," he said.

Judge Rafter imposed a five-year head sentence but fixed Wilson's parole eligibility date to June 29 this year.