David Hilsley faces Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court for theft from shop and damaging property

A former Bairnsdale cricketer and cabinet maker spread rubbish around a local high school after he was told to stop sleeping on school property.

David Hilsley — who is in custody — fronted the Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to theft from shop, destroyed or damaging property and failing to answer bail. Picture: Jack Colantuono

A former Bairnsdale cricketer and cabinet maker spread rubbish around a Bairnsdale high school after he was told to stop sleeping on school property.

David Hilsley appeared via web link in custody at the Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday August 27, pleading guilty to a raft of charges.

Among a long list of offences, Hilsley lit a small fire outside the Traralgon police station after he failed to enter the building, as well as setting alight a skip bin outside the Morwell Red Rooster.

In March this year, Hilsley went to a Bairnsdale high school and tipped rubbish out of 30 bags which took the school a day to clean up.

He returned a week later, breaking into a building by removing a flyscreen, and stealing students’ food.

In a police interview, Hilsley said he was at the school for “work”.

The court heard Hilsley set paper on fire and left it one of the bollards outside the Traralgon police station.

In June, he damaged a first-aid kit at the Bairnsdale Woolworths and raised his fist at an employee after she asked him to leave, the court heard.

Back on bail, he went to a real estate agency nearby and “rummaged” through paperwork.

As he left, multiple employees saw him jump, hit and break the overhead exit sign.

After being arrested again, Hilsley became aggressive during a conversation with Victoria Legal Aid.

He ripped a telephone handset out its unit, swung it around and smashed it against a door, the court heard.

After being released on bail, Hilsley went to King & Heath First National Real Estate in Bairnsdale, went through paperwork and damaged an exit sign. Picture: Facebook

Defence lawyer Daniel Taylor said Hilsley was diagnosed with schizophrenia and experienced periods of “homelessness”.

Mr Taylor added his client was a “diligent” student at school and had completed a course in cabinet making.

On Thursday, Hilsley appeared via web link at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court, for sentencing.

He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison, with 69 days served in custody as a pre-sentence.

Once Hilsley is released, he will complete a 12-month therapeutic community corrections order.

Magistrate Natalie Heynes told Hilsley it was critical he continued to see his doctors for his schizophrenia when was released from custody, to help prevent him from reoffending.

He will appear at the Bairnsdale Magistrates’ Court in November.