A man of no fixed address who allegedly burgled a Ballarat family’s home, driving away in a work vehicle loaded with equipment, has been refused bail.
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Police allege John Anderson stole the Nissan Navara from the Humffray Street home on September 24 in 2017.
Police informant Senior Constable Jessica Ashe told the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Friday Anderson attempted to steal a television in the family’s caravan before he gained access to the garage.
She said Anderson loaded the Navara with items including power tools, gardening equipment and alcohol before driving off.
The court was told Anderson allegedly parked the stolen vehicle in Adair Street and a witness posted a photo of it on social media.
Senior Constable Ashe said the Navara owner’s partner saw the photo and police were called, resulting in Anderson’s arrest.
She said it appeared Anderson had tried to scrape off the signage on the utility.
Anderson’s alleged offending spanned six months from July 2017 to January 2018 while he was on a community corrections order.
Senior Constable Ashe said the offending involved dishonesty, theft and burglary offences, and there was still $6800 worth of items unaccounted for.
The court was told Anderson allegedly stole two speakers from the Good Guys in June, 2017, while a month later on July 30, he allegedly broke into and ransacked Ballarat Community Health in Sebastopol.
He allegedly fled the health centre with $15 cash before security arrived. Senior Constable Ashe said blood found at the scene was linked to Anderson.
In another incident on January 12, 2018, police allege Anderson used a Lions Club cheque to withdraw $3600.
Senior Constable Ashe said police refused Anderson’s application for bail. She said he was pleading guilty to a number of charges, including the Humffray Street burglary, in December.
In pushing for his client’s bail, Defence barrister Jacob Pruden told the court Anderson had accommodation and there had been unexpected delays in progressing the case.
Mr Pruden said Anderson was not brought from prison to court on one occasion and his hearing was pushed back, meaning he had spent 77 extra days in custody.
He said the proposed accommodation was close to a Melbourne police station, but Senior Constable Ashe said checks showed it was an unsuitable place to live.
Magistrate Gregory Robinson said the delays did not persuade him to grant Anderson bail.
“I consider the risk is unacceptable and that won’t change with conditions,” Mr Robinson said.
Anderson faces 19 charges.
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