A Buangor man who went on a stealing spree through Ararat, leaving cans of UDL in his wake, has pleaded guilty to burglary and theft.
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Byron East, 41, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
East entered Ararat’s Shire Hall Hotel on August 10 or 11 last year, according to police prosecutor Sergeant Michael Patterson, ransacking several fridges of alcohol.
On August 11, East entered a Prince Street address through an unlocked window, before stealing collectible coins and notes, watches, jewelry, wedding rings, and three mobile phones.
Sergeant Patterson told the court East cut his hand when opening a money box containing $2000, and bled on a doona cover. A DNA sample linked him to the scene.
On the same day at 3pm, East broken into a Moore Street property by throwing a large rock through a glass door, before stealing two canon digital cameras and $20 in coins.
Several cold UDL cans – believed to be from the Shire Hall Hotel – were found in the study.
Fingerprints matching East were taken off a window.
In an incident on June 25 last year, when asked by police what his name was, the guilty man replied he was “the beast from the east”.
Magistrate Frank Jones told the man he has a “shocking record” and he should be “ashamed” of his actions.
“I don't know how many times you've dragged your poor mother and father along to court, it’s dreadful,” he said.
“Hopefully the parole will keep him clean for a little while longer.”
East’s parents were present in court, and told the Magistrate they were “just scared he's going to be in trouble straight away” after he’s released.
East received 12 months jail with parole, after five months of pre-sentence detention, and a $900 fine.
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