Patrick Mulryan refused bail after alleged break-in spree across northern Illawarra
A man has been slapped with 35 charges after police received more than 20 reports of cars and properties targeted over four days.
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A young Illawarra man has been refused bail, accused of a four-day crime spree which allegedly saw him steal everything from a torch, headphones and medications, to a car.
Patrick Mulryan, 28, was finally arrested on Tuesday, after a dramatic foot pursuit through Woonona, which left him with bumps and scrapes to his face, and a police officer with an injured knee which required hospital treatment.
Mulryan was slapped with 35 charges overnight, including 23 counts of larceny, two counts of break, enter and steal, two counts of take and drive conveyance, two counts of possess prescribed restricted substance, two counts of drive while suspended, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, escape police custody, resist arrest and breach of bail.
During a brief appearance at Wollongong Local Court on Wednesday, it was revealed Mulryan was on bail for other offences when his alleged crime-spree began.
Police began an investigation into a spate of break, enter and steal offences in, and north of Wollongong earlier this week, after receiving more than 20 reports of cars and properties being broken into in the Thirroul, Woonona and Bulli areas between January 16 and January 20.
In documents tendered to the court, police allege Mulryan stole a Toyota Trax from Woonona sometime between January 16 and 17, which he allegedly drove around while his licence was suspended.
It’s alleged he made several stops on January 17, breaking into a chemist and stealing “hundreds” of medical prescriptions, as well as cannulas, syringes, needles and prescription pads.
On the same day, he stands accused of stealing a number of strange items from the Bulli area including two golf balls to the value of $10, a dolphin torch, a “couple pairs of sunglasses”, and a leather travel case, among other items.
In court documents, police allege Mulryan spent the next two days continuing to steal from addresses in Woonona, Thirroul and Austinmer, taking items like iPhones, backpacks, clothing, an iPad and a laptop.
Following extensive inquiries, about 3am on Tuesday, police executed a search warrant at a home in Woonona.
Officers allegedly located and seized a large amount of property believed stolen from cars, homes and businesses in the northern Illawarra suburbs.
About 9.30am, police located Mulryan, who was allegedly attempting to evade police.
Following a short foot pursuit through bushland and a creek in Woonona, he was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station.
A male senior constable sustained injuries to his knee and was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance Paramedics before being taken to Wollongong Hospital for treatment.
On Tuesday, Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Evan Quarmby said the arrest served as a reminder to anyone thinking of engaging in criminal activity.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public to make sure that homes are locked and secured, security systems are installed and activated, and cars are locked.”
Mulryan, who did not apply for bail and was formally refused by Magistrate Stoddart, will return to court next month. He is yet to enter a plea to the charges.