A YOUNG man who stole jewellery valued at $10,000 to buy a $250 bag of methamphetamine was sentenced to 20 months in prison on Tuesday.
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Samuel Hayward, 22, tried to stab a victim who narrowly avoiding hitting him in a car as he ran across Peel Street on February 19, the Ballarat Magistrates Court heard.
Hayward’s defence lawyer Mike Wardell condemned the “savage nature” of methamphetamine addiction, which developed “very quickly” with his client.
“It’s another example of the scourge of ice,” Mr Wardell said.
Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Adam McCormack told the court that on October 16, 2013, Hayward broke into a Delacombe home and stole jewellery – including wedding and engagement rings, a diamond necklace, earrings and two watches – valued at $10,000.
The court heard Hayward placed them into a backpack and gave them to a friend in exchange for $250, which he used to buy methamphetamine.
Senior Sergeant McCormack told the court on November 5, 2013, Hayward came into possession of a credit card, which had been stolen a few days earlier.
The court heard Hayward and a co-accused spent the day buying items valued at $1086 with the card – including two trips to car parts retailers and McDonald’s.
Senior Sergeant McCormack said on February 19, Hayward ran after a vehicle that almost hit him as he crossed Peel Street.
The court heard while the victim’s car was stationary at the traffic lights at the intersection of Little Bridge Street, Hayward banged on the driver’s side window, opened the car door and hit the victim in the face before punching the victim and kneeing him in the back of the head as he got out of the vehicle.
Senior Sergeant McCormack said Hayward, who unsuccessfully tried to stab a second victim, stabbed the victim’s door three times before fleeing on foot.
Hayward, who had already served 147 days in police custody, pleaded guilty to 23 charges including intentionally causing serious injury, trafficking a drug of dependence, burglary and theft.
He was given a non-parole period of eight months and was ordered to re-appear on November 6 for a contest mention on unrelated matters.