Man sentenced to short jail term after stealing cars in Bendigo, breaking into Harcourt service station

James Charles Brown, 37, was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Monday. He had already admitted to 12 offences including theft of a motor vehicle and burglary.

The court heard about 4.50am on May 20 this year, Brown and another person broke into a service station in Harcourt.

They smashed through the COVID-19 protective shield near the counter and Brown cut open the cigarette cabinet.

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There were no cigarettes inside so the pair grabbed a number of other items, including chocolate, before leaving.

The court heard then about 3am on June 25 this year, a victim was starting up their Mazda outside of a Flora Hill address.

The owner left the vehicle unattended for a period of time where Brown entered the car and drove off. Brown found the keys of another vehicle inside the Mazda.

About 5.30am that day Brown drove to a Jackass Flat address in the stolen car. He then stole a ute that was at the property using the keys he found inside the Mazda.

The court heard about 10.15am on June 26 this year, Brown was captured on CCTV at a Kennington petrol station.

Brown filled the stolen ute with diesel worth about $40 before leaving the station without paying.

Police recovered the stolen ute on June 29.

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Brown was arrested in Golden Square on July 24 this year. He was searched and police found a substance believed to be methamphetamine in his possession.

Police also searched his home and found cannabis and keys to the stolen Mazda.

Brown did not have a driver's licence at the time of the offending.

The court heard Brown admitted to the burglary, thefts, and drug possession when questioned by police.

Brown pleaded guilty to the charges in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court earlier this month.

Magistrate Rodney Higgins on Monday sentenced Brown to two months in jail, with 30 days reckoned as already served.

Brown was also given a 12-month community corrections order and fined $100 with conviction for the drug possession charge.

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