A Maryborough man who burgled two properties and took thousands of dollars' worth of items, including a shotgun, was caught after advertising the stolen goods for sale on social media.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Clint Chandler, 24, pleaded guilty in the County Court in Bendigo on Monday to two counts of burglary, two counts of theft and one count of theft of a firearm in relation to the crimes he committed in April this year.
The court heard that between April 1 and April 19, Chandler entered two neighbouring properties at Moonlight Flat and Alma near Maryborough on at least three occasions.
At the Moonlight Flat property he broke into sheds, a house and a portable and stole tools, machinery, antiques, collectibles, household items, ammunition and a single-barrel shotgun.
These were worth about $1000.
More court news: Flora Hill fatal crash accused pleads guilty to culpable driving
During this time he also stole from the Alma property such items as generators, pumps, hand tools, power tools and machinery, valued at about $2000.
Chandler was caught after he advertised stolen items for sale on Facebook.
The court heard he sold the shotgun for $150 to a friend, who then on-sold it.
On April 30 police searched Chandler's home and he provided some of the stolen items to police.
Chandler also gave them the PIN code to his phone, on which they found messages discussing the crimes.
He made full admissions to his offending in his police interview.
Defence counsel Robert Thyssen said Chandler's offending occurred during a period of separation from his long-term partner, a time in which he was also using the drug ice.
The court heard he had no relevant criminal history and Mr Thyssen said his client's plea was one of genuine remorse.
He said Chandler was also full and frank with police from the start, although Judge Paul Lacava pointed out he was "stuck between a rock and a hard place" when police showed up, having advertised the items on Facebook.
"Pretty dumb," Judge Lacava said.
Mr Thyssen asked the judge to consider a community corrections order for his client.
Prosecutor David Cordy said that while Chandler had indicated an intention to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity, the offending warranted some period of imprisonment.
He said properties like those Chandler targeted were vulnerable to such crime, which was a scourge on rural communities.
The concern with the shotgun theft, Mr Cordy said, was that "these firearms get onto the black market, into the hands of criminals, and used in sinister offences".
Chandler will be sentenced on Tuesday.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
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.
