Warrnambool ice addict trashes emergency housing for ‘research’

Jordan Carmody, 25, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to causing criminal damage and breaching a community corrections order.

He was fined $750 and ordered to pay $50 compensation.

Police said that on May 19 Carmody attended a Woolworths petrol station on Raglan Parade in Warrnambool and filled his vehicle with $50 worth of unleaded petrol before leaving without making an attempt to pay.

He was later identified on CCTV footage.

On May 25 he appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court and was placed on a 24-month community corrections order. 

Then between June 1 and 4 Carmody was staying at a Warrnambool motel funded by the Salvation Army.

During his stay Carmody pulled apart several items in the room including a hairdryer, a smoke alarm, a kettle, DVD and TV remote controls and an electric blanket.

Upon his departure, a witness entered the room and found the items scattered across the floor in pieces and with the wires pulled out. 

Carmody told police at the time that he was making silver and gold and that he wanted the metal for research.

Police said Carmody appeared to be heavily drug affected. He was lodged in the police cells and interviewed several hours later when he told police that he couldn’t remember what had happened. 

Lawyer Xavier Farrelly said at the time of the offending Carmody was homeless, had no money and was heavily impacted by ice. 

He said his client felt very remorseful for his actions and had since paid restitution to the owners of the motel.

Mr Farrelly said Carmody had been drug-free for two months. 

Magistrate Jon Klestadt said that trashing a motel room that was provided by the Salvation Army – a not for profit group – was particularly concerning. 

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