David Wright, 19, of no fixed address, appeared in the Koori division of the Warrnambool Magistrates Court yesterday, when he was resentenced.

He received a new nine-month order which requires him to complete 60 hours’ community work, abide by alcohol and drug conditions and to undertake directions as part of a justice plan, which replaced a previously imposed community corrections order.

The court process involving Wright has been under way for about 12 months. 

He appeared in court yesterday healthy and well-dressed, in contrast to past court appearances.

Wright has a history of homelessness and not attending court when required.

Elder Lenny Clarke said he had thought Wright would finish up in jail and was surprised by the positive turnaround in the defendant’s life.

Elder Denise Lovett said Wright needed to work closely with housing officers to try to get accommodation.

Defence counsel Katerina Kappos requested community work be kept to a minimum to assist her client comply with the new order.

Magistrate Peter Mellas said Wright had turned up in court looking and sounding better and it was clear he was making better decisions.

He said the resentencing had to involve a measure of punishment because Wright took an elderly woman’s purse from inside her home which would have frightened her.