A Wendouree man allegedly found with financial documents, birth certificates and bank cards believed to belong to victims of crime has been refused bail.
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Christopher Troy Halson, 36, told police he got the documents from a man named Leisure Suits Larry, the Ballarat Magistrates Court was told during a bail application hearing on Friday.
Police allege they located the documents at a Wendouree home on January 1 where Halson was arrested for outstanding warrants.
Constable James Oliver told the court when police asked Halson about the items, he said he suspected they had been stolen.
Constable Oliver said a police investigation was under way into the documents and had already identified 55 names on the various items with some names matching other items.
“We have seized a number of documents and items from the address which are being sorted in the victims to see if they are victims of crime,” Constable Oliver said.
“Also (investigating) how the accused has been in possession of these items. Police are analysing electronic devices.”
Constable Oliver said he had made contact with 30 of the 55 victims, who they say have been victims of burglaries and theft from cars but do not know the accused.
The court was told a day before the financial documents, birth certificates and bank cards were found, Halson allegedly assaulted a woman by grabbing her by the back of the head and pushing her into the floor.
Constable Oliver said an intervention order was in place between Halson and the woman at the time of the alleged assault.
The victim suffered facial, head and wrist bruises, Constable Halson said.
Police opposed Halson’s bail application, saying he was in a show cause situation, was on bail while awaiting indictable charges and was an unacceptable risk of reoffending and endangering the public’s safety.
“I believe that the victim’s safety is in danger by the accused and believe if he is released there may be further harm,” Constable Oliver said.
Defence barrister Vincent Peters said his client was anxious to undertake drug rehabilitation, had employment if released on bail and was suitable for the Court Integrated Services Program.
He said Halson did not have a prior history of stealing from cars and there was no evidence he stole the financial documents.
Magistrate Ronald Saines refused bail because Halson had not shown cause and he believed the prosecution had a strong case.
Halson’s barrister then indicated his client would plead guilty to some of the charges. He was remanded in custody until February 27 for a consolidated plea hearing.