Mikalem Mitchell fronts court accused of being involved in alleged car theft crime spree

A Mildura man is accused of playing a role in a string of car thefts and break-ins across Sunraysia, with charges including dangerous driving and burglary.

Mikalem Mitchell fronted court accused of multiple charges including car theft and dangerous driving. Picture: Facebook

An illiterate Mildura man is accused of being part of a crew allegedly involved in a series of car thefts and burglaries across Sunraysia.

Mikalem Mitchell fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court applying for bail after police had arrested him on charges including dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, and burglary.

The court heard that Mr Mitchell was allegedly involved in the theft of multiple cars throughout the Sunraysia region including a Honda CRV from Merbein, a Hyundai i30 from Cabarita, and two Ford Rangers from addresses in Mildura.

Police alleged that Mr Mitchell was also involved in several burglaries, including at The Smoking Club on Fifteenth St and Cash Converters on Lime Ave.

It was claimed by police a green Kawasaki motorcycle was stolen during the alleged break-in at Cash Converters.

It was alleged Mr Mitchell was involved in the ramming of Ritchies IGA Merbein on Commercial St. Picture: Google Maps

In a separate incident, it was claimed Mr Mitchell was a passenger in a vehicle that rammed the front of Ritchies IGA in Merbein, where multiple items, including cigarettes, were allegedly stolen.

Police alleged Mr Mitchell continued to drive stolen vehicles as recently as this week, citing CCTV footage that showed him filling up a stolen vehicle before allegedly driving off without paying for fuel.

The prosecution argued that Mr Mitchell posed a risk of not answering bail and was a danger to the public.

Police also claimed that Mr Mitchell made full and frank admissions during his recorded police interview.

However, Mr Mitchell’s lawyer, Rebecca Boreham, countered these claims, asserting that Mr Mitchell allegedly had a lesser role in the alleged crimes and was often a passenger during the offences.

She also highlighted his age and inability to read or write, suggesting that he may have required the assistance of a third party during his police interview.

Ms Boreham made a plea for Magistrate Patrick Southey to grant Mr Mitchell bail.

Mr Mitchell was ultimately denied bail by Magistrate Patrick Southey

“I don’t think it is necessarily a foregone conclusion, despite the submissions of the prosecution, that he will be jailed,” Ms Boreham said.

“My client is just 20, and he has never spent any time in custody and he has found it very distressing to be there and it clearly brought home to him the consequences of his recent conduct.”

But Magistrate Patrick Southey denied Mr Mitchell’s bid for bail.

“It is a tribute to your advocacy, Ms Boreham, that you have me thinking hard about what really is arguably a very straightforward decision,” Mr Southey said.

“The risk to the community is high. You’re accused of being the driver or the passenger in multiple stolen vehicles. The risk is just unacceptable. I’m sorry, Mr Mitchell, I won’t be granting you bail today,” Mr Southey said.

Mr Mitchell will next appear in court on October 10.