A man who stole a churchgoer's purse and used her bank cards for several purchases will have to undertake 300 hours of unpaid community work while on a two-year community corrections order.
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Robert Keith Shewan, 38, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday to theft, eight counts of obtaining property by deception, assault, behaviour prejudicial to the good order of a police jail, two counts of shoplifting and handling stolen goods.
In May last year, Shewan entered an Ironbark camping shop, selected items of clothing and put them in bags before concealing them in his pants.
The crime was captured on CCTV.
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He was later arrested and admitted to being at the store, but denied stealing.
While in the Bendigo police cells, Shewan had a brief verbal exchange with another person in custody before punching him 21 times in about 25 seconds.
He refused to be interviewed in relation to the assault.
In November 2017, Shewan stole a woman's purse from a Yarrawonga church while she was collecting donations from other parishioners.
Shewan used the victim's cards for numerous purchases in Yarrawonga and Cobram, buying alcohol, sporting goods and fast food, as well as visiting supermarkets and a service station.
CCTV footage captured Shewan at two of the stores and the victim gave a description.
Then on December 1, 2017, Shewan stole a $99 bottle of perfume from a Yarrawonga chemist.
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Police attended his home and, with the consent of the owner, searched it, where they discovered the perfume.
The court heard Shewan was a ward of the state from birth and began using illicit drugs at the age of nine.
Shewan had an extensive criminal history.
The court heard he was using antidepressants and had a residential rehabilitation place available to address his drug issues, although he instructed he had been sober for some months.
His engagement on a current community corrections order had been average to date, but the court heard Shewan had been unwell and unable to attend some appointments.
Magistrate Ross Betts said Shewan's offending was serious, particularly given his history.
In sentencing, Mr Betts took into account Shewan's guilty plea, his deprived childhood, his mental health and his opportunity for rehabilitation.
He ordered Shewan be put on a two-year community corrections order with 300 hours of unpaid community work. Shewan was also ordered to pay more than $1300 in compensation.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
