Peter Dyer, 45, who has been in and out of prison for most of his life, will spend at least another nine months behind bars after pleading guilty to charges in Ballarat Magistrates Court. 

Detailing the most serious offence of aggravated burglary, police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Kent said a husband and wife were asleep in their Mitchell Park home in the early hours of January 24 last year when the husband awoke about 3.45am to find a rear door open. 

The court heard the woman’s handbag was missing and there was a wet patch on a wall and floor. 

Senior Constable Kent said Dyer had urinated on the wall,  and a forensic investigation later led police to Dyer after the discovery of his fingerprint on a fly screen door. 

The court was told Dyer was arrested the next day at his home and a search of his wallet located cards belonging to the victim. 

David Tamanika, for Dyer, said his client’s offending began when he was about 16 and from there went “on and on and on”.

Mr Tamanika said Dyer had served a number of significant stretches in prison, adding that by the time Dyer was 19 he was a “full blown alcoholic”.

The court heard Dyer was introduced to methamphetamines in prison, as well as a negative peer association. 

Magistrate Michelle Hodgson said Dyer’s latest offending was far too serious, adding the fact that people were home while he committed the acts was particularly aggravating. 

Ms Hodgson sentenced Dyer to 15 months’ jail. 

 He will be eligible for parole in nine months. He was also fined $750.