Police said earlier this year Vladamir Prekop had admitted to a $21,000 cash burglary on December 23.
A PORTLAND man who stole $48,000 in 48 hours at Christmas last year has abandoned his appeal against a three-year jail sentence after being warned by a judge he risked receiving a more severe penalty.
Vladamir Prekop, 42, pleaded guilty in the Portland Magistrates Court to burglary and theft-related offences on Monday, September 10, and was sentenced to serve an immediate three years in jail.
He appealed against the severity of the sentence and that appeal was heard in the Warrnambool County Court on Monday.
After listening to the summary of the evidence Judge Bill Stuart warned Prekop that if he continued with the appeal he risked receiving a more lengthy jail term.
After consulting his defence counsel Prekop decided to abandon his appeal.
Detective Senior Constable Richard Hughes, of the Warrnambool police criminal investigation unit, previously said Operation Amphibia was launched after a burglary and theft at the Mac's Hotel on Dunlop Street, Mortlake, about 8pm on Christmas Day last year netted $27,000 in cash.
Warrnambool police detectives arrested Prekop on May 18 this year .
Detective Senior Constable Hughes said the accused man was taken to Portland police station, where he allegedly made full admissions to the burglary and theft.
"As part of the investigation the man was questioned in relation to a $21,000 cash burglary and theft which occurred at Murphy's Transport Solutions at Whitehall Street,Yarraville, on December 23 last year," he said.
"He also made full admission to that crime during a police interview."
It is understood Prekop had a long list of prior convictions for dishonesty-related offences.