LESS than 24 hours after a Redan man tried to sell two stolen dogs on Facebook, police came knocking on his door, a court has heard.
Matthew Pattinson’s lawyer described the use of social media as “effectively an invitation for police to come get him”.
The 20-year-old appeared in Ballarat Magistrates Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to dishonestly undertaking in the realisation of stolen goods.
The court heard that between March 15 and 19 this year, Pattinson advertised two pugs for sale on Facebook knowing they were stolen. But police were quickly onto the scam, arresting Pattinson and recovering the dogs.
Defence lawyer Jon Irwin said the acquaintance who first contacted Pattinson about the dogs wasn’t the one who stole them, and that there probably was a line of people involved.
“They were effectively waiting for someone silly enough to sell them,” Mr Irwin said.
“I’m instructed this is possibly the most stupid thing he’s done in his 19 years.""
Mr Irwin said his client made the call to try and sell the dogs because he was impoverished.
Magistrate Peter Couzens sentenced Pattinson to a six month good behaviour bond without conviction, and ordered he pay $150 to the court fund.
“It was very foolish behaviour, and thankfully it all came apart pretty quick and there was no harm to the dogs,” Mr Couzens said.
“It was a mistake and I’m sure you’ll learn from it.”
