Michael Gordon Foster: Goonellabah man in court for alleged Lismore flood theft

Police investigations began after reports some 50 refrigerators had been stolen from a South Lismore business in the wake of the March floods.

A Goonellabah man who allegedly stole a number of white goods from a flood-affected business has faced court on several new charges.

Michael Gordon Foster, 38, appeared before Lismore Local Court on Monday, facing charges related to a flood theft back in March.

His solicitor Natasha Wood indicated Foster would plead guilty to a range of new offences including five counts of driving with an illicit drug and dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

Further new charges including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving by driving under the influence causing grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving, causing bodily harm by misconduct in charge of a motor vehicle, using an unregistered motor vehicle and using an uninsured motor vehicle were also mentioned but no formal pleas entered.

Ms Wood added Foster will plead not guilty to larceny at a value of over $15,000, attempting to dispose of stolen property, two counts of goods on premises suspected to be stolen, and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Police will allege some 50 refrigerators had allegedly been stolen from a business on Snow Street, South Lismore, in the wake of the March floods.

Police will allege investigations began after reports some 50 refrigerators had allegedly been stolen from a business on Snow Street, South Lismore, in the wake of the March floods.

Officers executed a search warrant on a Goonellabah home last Monday, August 22 and seized one refrigerator, three pressure washers, one Wacker Packer, and alleged illicit drugs.

Foster’s father sat in the courtroom while his son appeared via videolink.

In response to the pleas, Foster sighed and said “yes I guess so”.

Magistrate Jeff Linden adjourned the matter to October 4 for all matters.

Foster will remain in custody until that date.