Mildura man Jackson Rose accused of stealing car keys and returning days later in alleged drug-fuelled theft of two vehicles

A Mildura father relapsing into a heavy meth habit allegedly swiped car keys from a local home before returning days later with an accomplice to drive off in both vehicles a court has heard.

A meth addled Mildura man is accused of a brazen car heist and allegedly trafficking methamphetamine

A Mildura man battling a raging meth habit is accused of stealing two sets of car keys before allegedly returning to the same address days later with a co-accused to drive away with both vehicles, a court has heard.

Jackson Rose sought bail at Mildura Magistrates’ Court to multiple charges including theft of a motor vehicle, trafficking methamphetamine and burglary.

The court heard Mr Rose allegedly attended a San Mateo Ave address in Mildura and stole two sets of car keys last month.

A week later he allegedly returned to the address and waited for the occupant of the house before Mr Rose and a co-accused stole both vehicles with the set of keys he was accused of stealing.

Days after the alleged theft, police discovered one of the vehicles parked at a retirement village on San Mateo Ave, with Mr Rose spotted leaving a nearby property and walking toward the retirement village.

Mr Rose was allegedly found with nine grams of methamphetamine and more than $2K in cash when he was arrested. Picture: Generic

When arrested shortly after, police allegedly found four bags containing nine grams of methamphetamine, GHB, multiple bank and ID cards belonging to other individuals, and more than $2000 in cash on his person.

A subsequent search of his residence allegedly uncovered additional stolen property, including what police believe to be the key for the second stolen car.

When he was interviewed by police he made no comment on the theft charges and said he was “safe keeping” the numerous cards that belonged to other people — which he intended to return.

The court heard Mr Rose had a two to three gram per day methamphetamine addiction and relapsed back into drug addiction.

Mr Rose’s lawyer Zeina Alhalabi questioned the strength of the police case, pointing to the fact that the cash he had on him was from the sale of his car.

Police allegedly found numerous government ID’s and bank cards that didn’t belong to Mr Rose when he was arrested. Picture: Generic

Ms Alhalabi highlighted her client’s previous ability to overcome addiction and stay out of trouble.

“This is someone I believe is capable of staying both offence and drug free. Essentially, since 2018, he has remained offence free,” Ms Alhalabi said.

Magistrate Patrick Southey agreed the trafficking charge appeared weak, noting the quantity of methamphetamine found on Mr Rose could feasibly be for personal use.

Magistrate Patrick Southey denied bail stating Mr Rose hadn’t demonstrated compelling reasons and the risk was too high.

“When you’re using as much (methamphetamine) as he is, it could well be for his own personal use,” Mr Southey said.

Ultimately, Magistrate Southey refused bail, ruling Mr Rose posed an unacceptable risk and had not demonstrated compelling reasons for release.

“Bail is refused, the risk is unacceptable and he hasn’t displayed compelling reasons,” Mr Southey said.

Mr Rose will return to court on July 15.