His lawyer, Seamus Rafferty, said his client was extremely remorseful for his actions, which were triggered by a combination of mental health problems including obsessive compulsive, depressive, anxiety and personality disorders.
He said Gaudet had not targeted luxury cars due to any feeling of resentment towards their wealthy owners, as suggested by police.
"It was not a situation of someone having an axe to grind in terms of society."
Mr Rafferty said Gaudet had targeted such cars because of their neatness and cleanliness.
He said his client had acted on a completely irrational notion that damaging the cars would take them off the road and therefore reduce the risk that his father would be killed in a car accident.
He said Gaudet was otherwise of exemplary character.
The court was told damage to the vehicles totalled just under $399,000.
Mr Rafferty said his client was continuing psychiatric treatment, was willing to pay restitution and should not face the prospect of jail for his offending.
The police prosecutor said the state would not demand a prison sentence but a suspended sentence and restitution were sought.
When questioned by magistrate Richard Bayley about Gaudet's ability to pay full restitution, Mr Rafferty said his client had a $450,000 house on which he owed $50,000.
The magistrate adjourned sentencing until May 11 for a pre-sentence report and to give Gaudet time to take steps to come up with the restitution money by arranging to sell his house.
- AAP
