Robert Samuel Ursida sentenced for stealing skill-testers, massages chairs from Adelaide shopping centres

A man stole skill-testers and massage chairs from Adelaide shopping centres because he was addicted to drugs, a court has heard. Picture: 9News

Ursida is arrested after attempting to steal a skills testing machine at Parabanks Shopping Centre. Picture: 9News

A man who stole skill tester machines and massage chairs from Adelaide shopping centres has been sent home to his daughter who “needs him”.

On Thursday, Robert Samuel Ursida, 46, Parafield Gardens, was sentenced on a range of charges in the Elizabeth Magistrates court by Magistrate Edward Stratton-Smith.

Ursida had previously pleaded guilty to offences including 14 counts of dishonestly taking property without consent, ten counts of dishonestly dealing with property, 14 counts of failing to comply with a bail agreement, possessing a controlled drug, and four counts of driving while disqualified.

Counsel for Ursida said much of his offending came as a result of his addiction to methamphetamine, which he used to mask the pain of “awful trauma” and his need to help his ill daughter.

They submitted his driving while disqualified arose from a need to get her to hospital and “her being so in need of his support had been the primary concern”, however Mr Stratton-Smith rejected that, saying there was no evidence it was an emergency situation.

Mr Stratton-Smith noted in his sentencing the theft of three skill-tester machines and massage chair from Hollywood Plaza, Parabanks shopping centre and Sefton Plaza – among other stolen goods – arose from his addiction.

CCTV of the moment he took the machine at Parabanks Shopping Centre. Picture: 9News

“These thefts are very serious … I’m not sure what use you had with skill-tester machines filled with children’s toys … those thefts I accept are explained by your drug use,” Mr Stratton-Smith said.

“Your habit is ongoing and longstanding and relates to some awful trauma you experienced as a child and have only recently had the courage to disclose.

“It explains why you would want to take drug to bury your trauma.”

During sentencing, Ursida was heard sobbing via video link.

Ursida is arrested after attempting to steal a skill-testing machine at Parabanks Shopping Centre. Picture: 9News

The court heard Ursida’s breaches of bail also stemmed from his addiction as he failed numerous drug tests while serving home detention.

Mr Stratton-Smith noted early pleas of guilty entitled him to a 30 per cent discount for his sentence, which was fixed at four months and one day.

The sentence was suspended on a two-year good-behaviour bond with 12-month supervision attached.

The requested compensation for the damages and loss to the skill-tester machine owners of $9504 was not ordered and convictions were recorded for all charges.

Mr Stratton-Smith told Ursida his “daughter needs you, your father is struggling to keep a roof over her head” and he should “have a chance to address these demons and get off the drugs while you still can”.