Vincent Roberts charged with serious criminal trespass, theft and unlawful possession, applies for home detention
Police have arrested a 33-year-old man following an extensive investigation into an alleged spate of thefts from a range of country businesses and vehicles.
Upper Spencer Gulf
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A man who described himself as a “self-employed entrepreneur” has faced court after being arrested following a spate of alleged break-ins and thefts.
Vincent Roberts, 33, applied for home detention bail in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Tuesday saying that he plans to start work next week.
Mr Roberts was arrested in Jamestown on Monday night and charged with serious criminal trespass, theft and unlawful possession.
The court heard that police allegedly found stolen items from Booleroo Centre agricultural equipment supplier Flinders Machinery in the defendant’s house.
A cricket bag reported stolen was also allegedly found in a motor vehicle he’d been using, the court heard.
Evanthia Makris, for the prosecution, opposed bail for Mr Roberts due to his risk of further offending and ongoing investigation into further reports of serious criminal trespass in Jamestown.
“Prosecution have concerns that if released on bail he potentially could impede investigations,” Ms Makris said.
“We have CCTV footage depicting a person alleged to be the perpetrator, wearing similar clothing worn at the time of his arrest and driving a vehicle that matches the defendant’s.
Mr Roberts’ lawyer said the case against her client was not as strong as described by prosecution.
“There is no forensic evidence linking Mr Roberts to the break-in, no reference to DNA,” Mr Roberts’ lawyer said.
“This case relies upon CCTV footage that hasn’t been disclosed.
“I have spoken to the defendant’s aunt and she has indicated a willingness to have him reside there if granted bail.”
Mr Roberts commenced a 26-month period of non-parole on September 20, 2020, also charged with serious criminal trespass, theft and unlawful possession, the court heard.
Ms Makris told the court that Mr Roberts has breached bail conditions eight times over the past six years.
The bail breaches mentioned by prosecution included failure to sign into a police station, curfew breaches, possession of ammunition and failure to reside at bail address.
Mr Robert’s lists his employment status on Facebook as “CEO & Founder at Self Employed Entrepreneur.”
Jamestown police have been extensively investigating several reports of widespread theft across towns in the state’s Mid North.
Mr Robert’s home detention bail application will be decided in court later this month.
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