AN offender involved in a graffiti attack on a police station among more than 30 offences has been placed on a justice plan after spending 97 days in custody.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Robert James Balcke, 37, of Milltown Mission Road, Milltown, pleaded guilty in the Warranmbool Magistrates Court to charges including regularly driving while suspended, thefts, intentionally damaging property, robbery and trafficking drugs.
Magistrate Cynthia Toose convicted and fined Balcke $1000 and he was placed on an 18-month community corrections order which will include a justice plan.
He has already spent 97 days in custody.
Ms Toose said the prosecution had presented a very concerning summary of evidence.
The court had also received a range of reports, including a Forensicare report, an Office Of Corrections report and the outline of a justice plan.
She said it was clear that Balcke had an intellectual disability and the justice plan would include treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol and drugs and programs to assist the defendant.
The magistrate said it was up to Balcke whether he returned to court for more offending.
He was also ordered to pay $88 for a petrol drive-off.
Defence counsel Adam Bellman said his client had a mental health condition and low IQ.
"His history speaks for itself," he said.
"He's regularly in the wrong place at the wrong time committing offences. He's got too much time on his hands and he's been addicted to heroin and cannabis.
"His instructions are he can do time in custody on his ear.
"If he's simply jailed and then released without supports I can almost guarantee we'll be back in the same position in six or 12 months."
The offending involved taking medication from someone Balcke knew when the victim left a chemist.
A justice plan can be made available to support offenders with intellectual disabilities.
