A Ballarat man who stole a newspaper delivery van from outside The Courier’s office before driving it a kilometre down the road and crashing into the city’s Old Cemetery will remain behind bars for at least six weeks.
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Ashley Nunn, who appeared via videolink at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, pleaded guilty to the robbery, in addition to another six charges.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Kent told the court the delivery van arrived at the newspaper’s Webster Street’s address around 3.40am on November 16 when Nunn approached the driver as he unloaded the day’s papers.
After a short conversation with the driver Nunn got into the van.
Hearing the van rev, the delivery driver opened the van’s door and grabbed onto the steering wheel.
Senior Constable Kent said Nunn then reversed the van, dragging the delivery driver with it.
He continued reversing in two full circles before punching the delivery driver in the face and driving off.
Nunn drove a kilometre down the road before crashing through the heritage listed gates of the Ballaarat Old Cemetery.
He continued through to the south end of the cemetery where he got the van stuck in a fence he attempted to drive through.
The damage to the cemetery is estimated at $15,000 and another $5000 for the van.
Nunn fled of foot, leaving his grandmother’s wallet in the van.
The court also heard following his court appearance the next day, he attempted to escape from custody officers as he was walked from court to the police cells – but he was quickly stopped and handcuffed.
Sentencing of the matters was adjourned to February 22 while a pre-sentence report is completed.
Legal representation for the accused will make sentencing submission for consideration when the matter returns to court in six weeks time.
Nunn was remanded into custody until that date.