Bendigo man pleads guilty to aggravated burglary in County Court

Christopher Johnston, 30, appeared in the County Court on Monday after he pleaded guilty to one charge of aggravated burglary.

The court heard on the morning of April 13, 2019, Johnston and three others went to a Carisbrook address to buy marijuana.

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The woman at the property told Johnston she was not selling drugs and that she knew Johnston still owed her partner money for previous purchases.

Later that night, the woman locked the doors and windows and went to bed.

The court heard about 2am, the woman heard a noise like glass breaking and turned on the torch on her mobile phone.

Johnston entered her bedroom with two unknown women. The 30-year-old was carrying a knife and a small pitchfork.

The court heard Johnston pointed the knife at the victim, demanding she hand over money and marijuana.

One of Johnston's associates then assaulted the victim, punching the woman to the head 12 times, kicking her in the face, and grabbing her in the throat.

The court heard Johnston told his co-offenders there was nothing at the house. He then stole a packet of cigarettes and left with the two women.

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Johnston was arrested at a California Gully address on May 1, 2019. He provided no comment to officers during his police interview.

Defence counsel Robert Thyssen told the court Johnston was currently serving a prison sentence for other matters.

Mr Thyssen said his client was addicted to marijuana and ice at the time of the April 2019 offending, but he had stopped using while in custody.

The defence counsel said Johnston would have stable accommodation and job prospects if he was released from jail.

Judge Gerard Mullaly ordered Johnston to undergo a community corrections order assessment.

Judge Mullaly said he might sentence Johnston to a longer term in prison, but that the 30-year-old would need support once released.

Johnston was remanded in custody. He is due to return to the County Court later this week for sentencing.

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