Peter Nelson, 38, allegedly placed a stolen camera for sale on the Facebook group on December 5 – three days after a burglary in Morgan Street, Sebastopol.

Police informant Senior Constable Matthew Oldaker told the Ballarat Magistrates Court Nelson allegedly rummaged through cupboards at a Sebastopol home on December 2, stealing jewellery, a games console and other items valued at $3800.

Senior Constable Oldaker said the victim later identified the stolen camera police observed on the Facebook group.

The court heard fingerprints linking Nelson to the burglary were found on a necklace box inside the house.

Senior Constable Oldaker said that on December 8, Nelson allegedly forced entry to another Morgan Street property and stole electronic items.

The court was told that on December 12, property linked to the second alleged burglary was allegedly on-sold for drugs and cash at an unnamed Ballarat address.

In opposing Nelson’s bail application, Senior Constable Oldaker said the defendant’s extensive criminal history spanning across three states  meant he was a high risk of reoffending if released. “He’s got no family, no friends and nowhere to live,” he said.

Defence lawyer Amanda Hurst said Nelson, who the court heard had been abusive to police while in custody, wanted the opportunity to deal with his drug problem.

“He’s at his wit’s end,” she said. “He’s in this terrible cycle where he gets let out (of prison) and relapses.”

Ms Hurst said strict reporting conditions, combined with the credit bail support program, would make her client an acceptable risk.

However, magistrate Gerard Lethbridge disagreed and refused bail. 

Nelson, who was charged with two counts of burglary, will reappear in court on February 2.