A BENDIGO burglar who threatened to stab a man who was trying to stop him from fleeing the scene could be released from jail within weeks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Zac William-Joe Waite, 25, appeared in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Friday where he pleaded guilty to charges including burglary and handling stolen goods.
The court heard about 5.45am on March 8, Waite and 30-year-old Jamie Leigh Page drove to a Jackass Flat property in a stolen Holden Barina.
Waite remained in the car while Page broke into a white utility and stole keys and tools. The pair then drove to another address about 50 metres down the road.
Read more court: Bendigo man admits to violent attack on mother, sister
Page again broke into another white Toyota Hilux ute, stealing Apple AirPods and tools from the vehicle before entering the property's garage and breaking into a station wagon.
Page stole a wallet that contained credit cards and then entered the property via a door in the garage.
The victim woke to the sound of the door opening. She got out of her bed and saw Page coming through the door.
He fled when he saw the victim, running out of the garage to the car, and drove off.
The court heard police located the Holden Barina outside a Kennington address about 11.15am. Waite, Page, and two co-accused were at the property.
Page was able to jump a fence, but Waite and the two co-accused were arrested. Police searched the property and found the stolen items.
During his record of police interview, Waite told officers he was only "keeping lookout" for Page.
The court heard then on April 6, Waite and a co-accused broke into an Ascot property.
A bystander saw Waite filling a bag with stolen items and confronted him. Waite fled the property but the man chased him on foot.
Waite threw the bag to the side as he threatened to stab the man who was chasing him.
The court heard the bystander pursued the 25-year-old until police arrived and arrested him.
Inside the discarded bag was Waite's wallet, a small ziplock bag containing methamphetamine, and other pills.
Defence lawyer Ellie Hayes-Childs told the court Waite had post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing abuse during his childhood.
Ms Hayes-Childs said the 25-year-old had issues with drug use and was seeking a spot in a residential rehabilitation facility.
The defence counsel noted that Waite had already served 199 days of pre-sentence detention.
Magistrate Trieu Huynh said although Waite had a "lengthy, relevant criminal history", he did play a "lesser role" in the March offending.
Mr Huynh said he would have Waite assessed for a community corrections order, which could work alongside any rehabilitation services.
The case was adjourned to next month and Waite was remanded in custody.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- Follow us on Google News