Ex-jockey Martin Kelly denies involvement in series of alleged burglaries
A banned jumps jockey has pleaded not guilty to a string of Inverloch burglaries, including allegedly stealing dog clippers, cheese and a vacuum cleaner.
Bass Coast News
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A banned jumps jockey has denied going on a burglary spree, after he was accused of stealing a vacuum cleaner, cheese and dog clippers, among other things.
Martin Kelly, who was suspended from racing after betting charges, appeared in the Korumburra Magistrates Court on Monday on several burglary charges.
It is alleged he stole a number of items ranging from cheese to cars.
Mr Kelly moved to Australia from Ireland and worked as a professional jumps jockey for several years before, his defence barrister said, a “meth problem derailed” his jockey career.
The alleged crime spree took place from November 13 to 28 last year, in the Inverloch area.
The alleged burglary spree began on November 13, when police say Mr Kelly attempted to break into an Inverloch property, leaving his fingerprints on a window.
On November 18, it is alleged he stole a a car and a wallet from a locked garage.
He was later found with a credit card belonging to the victim.
Three days later, police allege Mr Kelly forced his way into a property on Wonthaggi Rd through a roller door and stole hair cutting and colouring tools, which he was later found with.
During the alleged spree, police say Mr Kelly also broke into a William St home and stole more than $2500 worth of goods, including a Dyson vacuum cleaner, an e-bike, makeup, clothes, a multi tool, coke a cola and cheese.
Finally, on November 28, it’s alleged Mr Kelly stole a Nintendo Wii, a DVD player, dog clippers and medication from yet another property.
At the time he was on bail for other matters and was banned form entering the Bass Coast Shire.
Mr Kelly was arrested inside an Inverloch holiday home he didn’t own, alongside the allegedly stolen property.
On Monday he appeared in the Korumburra Magistrate’s Court via video link from custody where he had spent 52 days.
His defence barrister said the evidence against Mr Kelly was “all circumstantial” and he was pleading not guilty.
They also indicated Mr Kelly wished to return to Ireland upon his release from custody.
He will return to court in February.
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