A DRUG-AFFECTED man who was citizens-arrested by a labourer while allegedly trying to steal power tools was released on bail on Friday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Cameron Dean, 32, was detained by a labourer, who saw the man allegedly trying to place stolen power tools into a car in Newington on October 6.
Police informant Sergeant Luke Miller, from the Divisional Response Unit, told Ballarat Magistrates Court that when he arrived at the incident Dean was so drug-affected he could not conduct an interview.
Sergeant Miller told the court Dean and a co-accused allegedly attended the property on Ajax Street, broke into a shed and stole two motorbikes and power tools valued at $6000.
The court heard while the labourer was detaining Dean, the co-accused sped off in the car.
When later interviewed at Ballarat Police Station, Dean was found with a small amount of methamphetamine in his possession.
Sergeant Miller told the court earlier on October 6, Dean and a co-accused had opened an unlocked car on Gent Street, Ballarat, and stole various items, including a satellite navigation system valued at $800.
In opposing a bail application, Sergeant Miller said Dean had numerous prior convictions, was unemployed and would continue to offend to sustain his methamphetamine habit.
Dean, who faced a number of charges including burglary, theft and possess methamphetamine, was accused of breaching a suspended sentence with the alleged offences.
Sergeant Miller said because Dean was of no fixed address, police could not ensure he would turn up to court.
Defence lawyer Mike Wardell argued his client had only one fail to appear in court charge, in 2011.
According to Sergeant Miller, a bail address in Coburg was mooted by Mr Wardell, but was refused by the Department of Human Services because of Dean’s drug possession charge.
Another temporary address in Coburg was deemed suitable and magistrate Cynthia Toose bailed the man.
Dean was ordered to reappear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on November 13.