Sydney CBD Dognapping: Man to face court
A dog owner (pictured) was reunited with his beloved dog as a man alleged to have stolen the pet is set to face court.
Central Sydney
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A homeless man accused of stealing a companion dog from outside a Sydney store has been granted bail.
Levi James returned the dog three days later following a public appeal by police.
James appeared at Central Local Court from Surry Hills Police Station on Tuesday where he was granted bail by Magistrate Robert Williams.
The court heard Baxter, the Pitbull terrier, was a companion dog for two autistic kids.
When the prosecutor mentioned this in court, a teary James replied: “How could I have known that?”
The court heard he had a previous conviction for stealing a dog.
The court also heard James was on three Community Corrections Orders at the time and was under supervision, but had a minor record.
The dog theft was captured on CCTV.
The police prosecutor told the court he “stole a random dog from a random place” and only returned the dog when he was identified as the person who had taken the dog.
He was granted bail to report to Day Street Police each day.
James will return to Downing Centre Local Court on May 17.
Meanwhile, NSW Police has shared video of the tail-wagging reunion with Baxter and her owner.
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