A habitual pest Warrnambool thief alleged to have stolen Lego, clothes and alcohol from shops in his latest crime spree has been remanded in custody for one week.
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Mathew Howarth, 23, of no fixed address, appeared in Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with shop theft and bail offences.
Lawyer Jessica Tinetti said her client was waiting to be accepted into an extended care mental health inpatient care unit.
But, she said no beds would be available for about a week and urged the magistrate to remand Mr Howarth in custody until a bed became available.
Magistrate Mark Stratmann said he was very concerned about the man's health and remanded the man in custody until September 6.
Mr Howarth was arrested in central Warrnambool at 7.30pm on Wednesday evening, interviewed, charged and remanded in custody to appear in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court today for a bail/remand hearing.
The man is a regular offender but usually only receives short jail sentences for his repeated stealing from shops.
Police allege the man stole one litre bottle of spirits worth $38 from Coles Liquorland in Lava Street on August 8, clothing valued at $98.94 from Harris Scarfe on August 14, clothing worth $119.98 from Rebel Sport on August 23 and a LEGO War Machine Buster from Toyworld valued at $50 on August 26.
Most of the offending was captured on security camera footage.
He has also been charged with multiple counts of breaching his bail.
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