A WENDOUREE man who was allegedly found with keys to most of the stores in the Bridge Mall has been refused bail.
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The Ballarat Magistrates Court heard a search warrant at Kaine Lyons’ Banskia Road property on April 14 found 100 items suspected to be stolen from the Ballarat region.
Police informant Senior Constable Daniel Milne told the court police searched Lyons’ and a nearby neighbour’s property, locating three trailers – one containing more than 50 allegedly stolen items – and a number of other items totaling $60,000.
He said a large number of keys from a local real estate agency and businesses at the Bridge Mall were also found, as well as prohibited weapons.
During a search of Lyons’ bedroom, Senior Constable Milne said 6g of a crystal substance which was spot tested as ice, deal bags and scales were also found.
He said police allege Lyons, who was on bail at the time, was using the stolen items to purchase drugs.
It was also alleged Lyons was involved in the theft from a number of motor vehicles between January and April of this year.
The court heard Lyons also allegedly used a stolen credit card to make more than $800 in purchases, including a $71 transaction at McDonald's which was captured on CCTV.
If released on bail, Senior Constable Milne said he believed Lyons would continue to offend.
He said he also believed Lyons ran a risk of failing to answer his bail, after he missed a court appearance in April.
When cross-examined by the defence counsel whether there was any forensic evidence linking Lyons to the thefts from cars, Senior Constable Milne replied no.
He was also asked about the quality of the CCTV footage from McDonalds, in which he replied he could tell it was the accused.
Lyons’ defence lawyer said he would rely on the credit bail report which found Lyons suitable.
He said conditions, including a stable address, curfew and drug treatment, would reduce the risk of further offending.
He said the benefits of treatment far outweighed time in custody.
“He has no option but to participate and remain drug-free or he will be back where he is,” he said.
But the police prosecutor said Lyons did not have access to stable housing after his rental was terminated.
Magistrate Greg Robinson said he was not satisfied credit bail would eliminate any risk of further offending, particularly because the accused had allegedly committed the offending while on bail.
He was remanded to reappear in court on May 12.
