Shannon James Royal: Young father busted for Lavington burglaries
A young father of two was busted for a series of Lavington burglaries and for carrying weapons including a large knife and knuckledusters. But his references were “impressive” enough for him to get little more than a slap on the wrist.
Albury Wodonga
Don't miss out on the headlines from Albury Wodonga. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A young father busted for a series of burglaries at a Lavington unit block, and for carrying weapons including a large knife, has escaped jail time thanks to a glowing reference from his church.
Between April 28 and May 1 this year, Shannon James Royal broke into three apartments at a Hague St unit block, stealing Lego, comic books, and action figures to the value of $1300.
The 22-year-old father of two was arrested at his East Albury home on May 9 this year.
After being released on bail, Royal was reporting to the Albury Police Station on September 14 when police found knuckle dusters in his right jacket pocket, which were folded out to form a large 23cm knife.
When police confiscated the weapon, Royal said “That was handed down to me. Am I going to get that back?”
In another incident on October 1, police were called to a well-known drug location in Springdale Heights where Royal was found getting into a taxi.
Police searched Royal and found he was carrying a 15cm pocket knife and digital scales.
Royal appeared in Albury Local Court today after pleading guilty to all charges including breaking and entering, destroying or damaging property, carrying a prohibited weapon, resisting an officer in execution of an arrest, and carrying a cutting weapon.
Defence solicitor Sascha McCorriston said Royal’s health had been suffering while he had been in custody since October 1, with his diabetes being poorly managed.
“His sugars have been between 20-30 when they should be between 4-8,” Ms McCorriston said.
Ms McCorriston said Royal had strong prospects for rehabilitation, with supportive family, and employment in the painting and decorating industry arranged for when he was released from custody.
The accused’s parents, grandmother and sister were in court to support him.
She said Royal’s young children, who had been living in Melbourne, were in the process of coming to live with his parents in Albury.
Ms McCorriston told the court Royal had applied to attend rehab in Wagga Wagga to address his drug issues.
“Mr Royal acknowledges its’ something he needs to do so he doesn’t end back in custody again,” she said.
Royal, who wore a cross necklace as he appeared in court via video link, received a glowing reference from Immaculate Heart church.
Magistrate Richard Funston said he was impressed with Royal’s references, and that he had work lined up upon his release, but still had doubts about whether or not he was ready to be released into the community.
“Does he really think he can do it and not let his family down?” Magistrate Funston asked.
Ms McCorriston said the time in custody had been a real eye-opener for Royal.
Magistrate Funston sentenced Royal to a nine month Intensive Corrections Order for the two break and enter charges, with the condition that he attend rehab as soon as possible.
For the remaining charges Royal was sentenced to an 18 month community corrections order on the condition that he remains drug-free.
MORE ALBURY WODONGA NEWS
HOME SECURITY BUMPED UP AS ALBURY CRIME SKYROCKETS