A drug dealer who broke into his former employer's business and stole cash and tools has been ordered to do 100 hours' unpaid community work.
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William Neave, 19, of Warrnambool, pleaded guilty in Warrnambool Magistrates Court to burglary, breaching bail and drug-related offences.
On June 28 he attended his former employer's business on Warrnambool's Brathwaite Street and forced open a roller door before stealing cash, a trawling box for plastering and house keys.
The trawling box was later located at the home of Neave's cousin.
Neave was arrested and interviewed on July 24. He made full admissions to the burglary, stating that he had paid for the tools with his own money.
He was charged and released on bail with the condition he abide by a 10pm to 6am curfew.
Then on August 3 police intercepted him driving on Warrnambool's McGregors Road at 3.30am.
Neave was the sole occupant of the vehicle, which he said belonged to a friend.
Upon realising Neave was in breach of his bail curfew, officers asked him to exit the vehicle. He slid across the passenger seat, stating that the driver's side door did not open, and dropped a small deal bag containing 1.5 grams of methamphetamine on the floor.
He was arrested and his mobile phone was seized. Police located numerous messages between July 7 and August 3 referring to the sale of methamphetamine for between $250 and $400.
Neave initially denied the allegations, stating that he didn't know where the drugs came from and he couldn't remember what time his bail curfew was.
Lawyer Karin Temperley said her client spent two nights in the Warrnambool police cells - an experience he found distressing and disturbing.
"This has been a serious wake up call," she said.
Neave was convicted, fined $400 and placed on a 12-month corrections order with conditions he do 100 hours of unpaid community work, be under the supervision of corrections and undergo drug treatment and rehabilitation.
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