A CO-ACCUSED in a spate of alleged farm thefts, where $250,000 worth of goods was stolen from numerous rural properties, was allegedly living out of his car while offending to avoid arrest, a court has heard.
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Peter Hunter, 33, allegedly robbed 11 homes in the Moorabool, Pyrenees and Golden Plains Shires with co-accused Luke Webster, 28, from July 2013 to July 2014.
Opposing Hunter’s bail application at the Ballarat Magistrates Court, Detective Senior Constable Rod Stepnell said the man’s involvement in the professional, meticulous alleged attacks was driven by a methamphetamine addiction.
The court heard how the pair allegedly attacked the properties at night, switching off the electricity at most homes before using bolt cutters to steal power tools and farming equipment.
One property was allegedly attacked twice after its occupants replaced previously stolen items, the court heard.
Hunter, who was also charged with 15 counts of theft, was found with 7.5 grams of methamphetamine, three knives and a machete when he was apprehended by police in September.
Senior Constable Stepnell said he was concerned if Hunter was bailed he would link up with co-accused Webster – bailed on November 6 – and continue to reoffend.
“He’s got no job and no means of supporting his drug addiction,” said Senior Constable Stepnell, who added a number of the alleged stolen items were found at Webster’s address.
Defence lawyer Mike Wardell said further police investigation was needed to make a “rock solid” case against his client, and felt Hunter wasn’t an unacceptable risk if he underwent a credit bail support program to help with his drug addiction.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Kent said Hunter had “defiled” the peace of people in their own homes with the alleged attacks.
“It’s clear from the evidence that drugs are a problem,” he said.
Hunter, who was charged with more than 30 offences including burglary, theft, traffic a drug of dependence and drive while disqualified, was refused bail by magistrate Cynthia Toose.
Ms Toose said Hunter’s bail application was different to co-accused Webster’s because of his significant history of driving convictions, his previous failure to appear while on bail and Hunter’s drug trafficking charges.
“I can’t think of any condition a court could make to stop him driving,” said Ms Toose, who added Hunter was a risk of reoffending if released on bail.
Hunter was remanded to reappear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on December 4 for further mention.
