Ricky Hayward: Batemans Bay man charged with possessing drugs and stolen item

A man’s “suspicious” behaviour saw a man, who had stolen his friend’s iPhone, come to the attention of police. However, it was not the only illegal item he had in his possession.

Ricky Hayward initially told police the iPhone wasn't his friend's, rather one he found in the Harvey Norman bin.

A man who nicked his mate’s iPhone, later claiming he had found it in a bin at Harvey Norman, has been punished for the theft as well as being punished for having crystal methamphetamine on his person.

The incident saw Ricky Hayward, 42, face Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday, charged with possessing unlawfully obtained goods and drug possession. The Batemans Bay man had previously pleaded guilty to both charges.

Police documents tendered to the court reveal on the afternoon of July 28, Hayward was walking along Pacific St, Batemans Bay, when police spotted him acting “suspiciously”.

“[Hayward] was holding items in his hand and was trying to conceal them from police as they walked past,” agreed facts state.

Officers asked to see what Hayward was holding, which was revealed to be two iPhone cases still in their packages with price tags, which he claimed he had taken from the bin out the back of the Harvey Norman.

Ricky Hayward leaving Batemans Bay Local Court after he was convicted and fined for stealing his mate's iPhone and having meth on his person.

Under suspicion the cases had been stolen, police searched Hayward and found another iPhone tucked in the waistband of his pants.

At first, Hayward said the phone was also from the bin before further questioning from officers led to him admitting it belonged to his friend and he had taken it, reset it and was going to use it.

The officers continued to search the phone thief, finding a clear resealable bag in his wallet containing crystal methamphetamine.

“[Hayward] admitted to police the methamphetamine was for personal use,” agreed facts state.

Later analysis of the drugs revealed Hayward had 0.8g on his person at the time.

The phone cases, iPhone and drugs were seized on the spot for further investigating.

In court on Monday, Hayward’s lawyer said the offences were at the lower end, and as a result, was hoping the sentencing could be nothing more than a fine.

“He admits it was wrong to steal his mate’s phone and even though he had the drugs, he said he rarely used them,” she said.

Despite this, Magistrate Doug Dick said theft was still a serious crime, no matter how big or small the item.

“You should not have taken the phone and as far as I’m aware, iPhones are not cheap,” he said.

While Mr Dick acknowledged Hayward had no drug offences on his record, he said the Batemans Bay man still needed to be punished appropriately.

Hayward was convicted on both charges and fined $1000.