A MAN who was questioned by police in relation to the death of an 11-month-old Long Gully baby appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday.

Harley Hicks, 19, pleaded guilty to 23 offences including aggravated burglary, burglary, attempted burglary and thefts from homes and cars in Long Gully, Bendigo and North Bendigo.

Most of the offences were allegedly committed between May 16 and June 15 but there was no mention of the Eaglehawk Road address where a baby boy died last Friday.

The court heard that before the burglaries and thefts, Hicks had been smoking cannabis, drinking and using methamphetamine (ice).

The court was told the crimes were committed to fund his drug habit.

Prosecuting, Senior Constable Mark Herman said Hicks lived part-time with his father in North Bendigo and spent the rest of his time with his brother in Long Gully.

“On Friday the 15th of June a number of incidents were reported to Bendigo police, including burglaries, attempted burglaries and theft of items from motor vehicles,” he said.

Senior Constable Herman said the crimes appeared to be linked and had all occurred close to Hicks’ Long Gully abode.

During one of the burglaries in Long Gully, Hicks entered a home through a bedroom window.

“The occupants were at home and asleep at the time,” Senior Constable Herman said.

Defence counsel Megan Aumair said Hicks had a combination of mental health, drug and alcohol issues.

In sentencing, Magistrate Jennifer Tregent noted how “terrifying” it must have been for the occupants of a home who were asleep at the time Hicks’ broke in.

Hicks was sentenced to 12 months in youth detention, had his licence cancelled for 12 months and was fined $800.

Hicks has denied any involvement with the Eaglehawk Road baby’s death.