Ronald Mark Vigenser sentenced for historical $4000 Maroochydore theft

A Sunshine Coast man who broke into a house and stole $4000 worth of property to fund his heroin addiction has faced the consequences 30 years later.

A Dicky Beach man has been sentenced for a crime he committed three decades ago in Maroochydore and ordered to pay $3000 to the victim.

Back in 1992, Ronald Mark Vigenser, now 55, broke into a Maroochydore home on December 18, where he stole approximately $4330 worth of property.

The stolen items included electrical equipment and camera gear.

Ronald Mark Vigenser leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Vigenser then also drove off with the victim’s car which was later located by police with the stolen items inside.

Police prosecutor Mark Burrell said the break-in occurred at 5am when the victim was present.

“There was a fingerprint located within the house that was the fingerprint of the defendant, he denied involvement … attempts were made to locate the defendant but were unsuccessful,” Sergeant Burrell told the court.

Ronald Mark Vigenser leaving Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

“He was located at Nambour Hospital in 1993 and was arrested but for whatever reason he didn’t come before the court.”

The court heard Vigenser was a heroin addict up until five years ago and had stolen the property to fund his habit.

Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist said despite the age of the offending, Vigenser’s actions were still “very serious”.

Vigenser pleaded guilty to one charge each of housebreaking, stealing and unlawful use of motor vehicle to commit an offence.

He was given 18 months’ jail, suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay $3000 in restitution.