A SELF confessed ‘ice’ addict from Wendouree stole a boat and trailer during a late-night break-in near Lake Boga, a court has heard.
After initially applying for bail yesterday, Jason Christopher Dawes, 40, pleaded guilty to three charges in Ballarat Magistrates Court, including theft and dealing property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
Dawes was vocal from the dock throughout the hearing, complaining about a lack of housing and support each time he comes out of prison.
“I’ve been out of jail three years and four months since 1989,” he said.
“I’ve done 28 sentences ... and I’ve never been helped with housing.
“If decent people can’t even get housing, how am I supposed to get housing?”
The court heard that Dawes and another man stole a $4000 boat and trailer from a Lake Boga business after cutting a hole in a fence and entering the premises just after midnight on July 24 this year.
The pair were arrested with the boat and trailer almost three hours later in Maryborough, 223 kilometres away.
Dawes also pleaded guilty to a charge of handling stolen goods, relating to a burglary in June in which $22,000 of goods were
taken.
Senior Constable Debbie McGuire gave evidence, telling the court that Dawes had a long history of similar offences.
“He’s got over 24 pages of prior convictions, mostly for dishonesty matters,” she said.
During the initial bail application Dawes gave evidence, telling the court he had previously left accommodation to get away from heroin – which he said he hadn’t used since 2010.
“I know longer use that drug or hang around anyone who uses it,” he said.
However, he did admit having an ice addiction, which he “cannot stop” without help.
Defence lawyer Tom Bevan said that despite his client’s history and self-confessed drug problems, Dawes wanted to get his life on track.
“He’s reflected on matters.
“There’s a sincere desire for change,” Mr Bevan said.
Magistrate Frank Jones sentenced Dawes to three months in jail, which will be followed by a 12 month community corrections order.
Dawes has already served 18 days.
