A heroin addict who went on an alleged shoplifting spree before torching a stolen car has been bailed with a $5000 surety.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Aaron Mitchem, 33, of Barkly Street, Warrnambool, appeared in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court where he made a successful bail application.
He was released by Magistrate John Doherty on Thursday.
Conditions of bail included Mr Mitchem provide a $5000 surety, not leave Victoria, not attend licensed or gaming venues, not drive, not use drugs or alcohol, and abide by a curfew.
He was also ordered to take part in a Court Integrated Services Program.
Detective Senior Constable Craig Wastell, of the Warrnambool police Crime Investigation Unit, told the court that on July 14 police received reports of a 2009 Ford Territory stationwagon being stolen from a street in Warrnambool.
He said the following day the accused attended retail stores in Colac, Hoppers Crossing, Werribee and Altona and stole several bottles of alcohol, as well as cigarettes and power tools.
Senior Constable Wastell said the accused was observed leaving the stores in the stolen vehicle.
On July 17 the vehicle was found abandoned in Wangoom.
The interior of the vehicle had been torched and a petrol can was located nearby.
Senior Constable Wastell said police found remnants of alcohol, believed to be stolen, inside the vehicle.
Police also allege that on July 20 Mr Mitchem assaulted a barman at Macey’s Hotel in Warrnambool after stealing a bottle of Jim Beam and a packet of cigarettes.
Following the assault the barman underwent plastic surgery on his lip.
Senior Constable Wastell said the accused had admitted to being a heroin user and had consistently breached bail in the past.
He said Mr Mitchem was an unacceptable risk to the community and a high risk of re-offending.
Barrister Timothy Sullivan said Mr Mitchem was strongly supported by his family, who were willing to borrow money in order to pay the $5000 surety.