A man who admitted to a slew of thefts and other offences has been released from prison after more than 100 days and will spend the next 12 months on a community corrections order.
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Over the space of about two months earlier this year, Zane East stole seven vehicles in Bendigo and Maryborough. Most of these he hot-wired.
Over a similar period of time the 23-year-old stole petrol from service stations on four occasions.
He also twice failed to stop when police tried to intercept him.
East injured a woman in February by pulling her hair, punching her, pushing her, stomping on her head and grabbing her by the throat.
On one occasion, the victim fled to another room, but East smashed his way in and continued to strike her.
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East's offending also included altering number plates and receiving stolen number plates.
He was unlicensed and using both methamphetamine and cannabis daily during the offending period.
Two months ago East pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court to 29 charges, including 11 counts of theft, nine counts of driving unlicensed, recklessly causing injury, criminal damage, altering a registration plate, two counts of failing to stop for police, handling stolen goods, driving while impaired by a drug, committing an indictable offence on bail, and driving while disqualified.
His defence lawyer, Kate Youngson, told the court East was co-operative with police and admitted to his crimes.
She said he was stealing cars to sleep in as he was homeless at the time.
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The court heard East had strong family support, and members of his family were present at both the plea and sentencing hearings.
Sentencing was adjourned until this week to allow for further assessment of East's health and intellectual ability.
Magistrate Ross Betts sentenced East to 116 days' imprisonment, which constituted the time he had already served on remand.
He was also placed on the year-long community corrections order and fined $500.
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