A MAN who broke into a stranger’s home and cooked himself dinner before allegedly stealing a laptop has been released from custody.
Adam Brodel, 21, of Melton, was arrested at an East Bendigo address on Monday afternoon and was found to be in breach of bail conditions.
Brodel told police he had been working in Bendigo that day and had accidentally entered the house he believed belonged to his uncle, who lives in Long Gully.
The Bendigo Magistrates Court heard Brodel entered the home and dressed in the owner’s clothes.
When the man arrived home he found Brodel drinking beers from his fridge and asked him to leave, before Brodel returned a short time later, when police were notified. Brodel allegedly stole a laptop from the home and was charged with burglary and theft.
The court was told Brodel had breached bail conditions for outstanding matters, including possession of cannabis.
Magistrate Jennifer Tregent said it was an “unexpected situation” for the property owner to find Brodel at his home.
“It’s not Goldilocks and the three bears,” she said.
The court heard that Brodel had not been taking medication for mental health issues. In ruling that he be released, Ms Tregent ordered Brodel to report to Melton police station twice a week.
He will face Bendigo Magistrates Court on March 14.
