Shepparton’s Ethan Jones fronts court with theft, weapons, assault charges

A Shepparton man allegedly stole flowers, a beauty wand and crystal jewels during a massive alleged six-month long crime spree where he is accused of committing more than 40 offences.

A Shepparton man has been charged with more than 40 offences, including theft.

A Shepparton man has been accused of stealing flowers, a beauty wand and crystal jewels during an alleged wild crime spree across the state’s north.

Ethan Jones has been charged with more than 40 offences across a six-month period, including possession of weapons, drugs, vehicle theft, shop theft and burglary.

Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said Mr Jones was accused of committing a “cornucopia” of offences and warned him it would be “hard” for him to get bail again if he breached his conditions.

Mr Jones appeared via video link at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday to apply for bail, which he was granted.

From July 2 to July 31 Mr Jones was charged with a litany of offences including attempted burglary and having a handgun and knuckledusters.

In August, Mr Jones is accused of unlawful assault with a knife, possessing a controlled weapon, trespassing, stealing cash, diesel, flowers, an axe, a hatchet and two parcels containing BBQ tools and dumbbells, using stolen number plates, using stolen credit card and possessing Quetiapine which is a poison.

On August 1 he was found in possession of methylamphetamine, and a balaclava, bolt cutters, axes, gloves and jimmy bars suspected to be used in connection with a burglary.

He is also charged with stealing a HiLux ute on August 8.

Ethan Jones has been charged with numerous offences across 10 towns in the Goulburn Valley between July 2024 and January 2025.

On Christmas Eve, Mr Jones was accused of stealing a pruning saw from Bunnings in Shepparton and dealing with an axe, two jimmy bars and side cutters suspected to be proceeds of crime.

In January 2025, Mr Jones was charged with driving while suspended, stealing a Holden Statesman, attempted burglary, trespassing, stealing a laptop, personal identity cards, cash, car wash tokens, crystal jewels, LED beauty wand and beard trimmer, and dealing with a Honda generator, laptop and toolset believed to be proceeds of crime.

The offences allegedly occurred across Shepparton, Mooroopna, Wunghnu, Yarrawonga, South Wharf, Byrneside, Tatura, Murchison North, Stanhope, Kialla and Seymour.

Police alleged Mr Jones was an unacceptable risk due to the likelihood he would endanger others in the community and also may commit other offences while on bail.

Defence lawyer Joh Ollquist said Mr Jones was a 30-year-old Indigenous man and it was his first time in custody.

Ethan Jones was granted bail when he appeared in the Shepparton Magistrates' Court on Friday. Picture: Jack Colantuono

Ms Ollquist said he had never had structured alcohol and drug support before but through the Court Integrated Services Program a number of suitable supports were found for him.

She said Mr Jones was “keen to engage” with culturally appropriate support and while in custody had remained “clean” from drugs.

“It’s an unusual situation where consistent, alleged offending is not accompanied by a long criminal history,” she said.

“He should be afforded the opportunity to address the root causes of this offending.”

Mr Zebrowski said bail would be tough on Mr Jones because the community needed to be comforted he wouldn’t “go off the rails” and if he did he would be “remanded quick smart”.

“If police bring you back to court for not complying or heaven forbid you’re arrested for more offences, it’s going to be damn hard to get bail again,” he said.

“I can’t prejudge but if you muck it up and breach my trust I’ll be unlikely to give you another chance.”