Mildura man Matthew McTeare allegedly stole signed Ron Barassi merchandise worth more than $30k

A Mildura heroin addict is accused of pinching rare AFL memorabilia personally signed by football icon Ron Barassi, amid a string of alleged thefts and burglaries, a court has heard.

A Mildura heroin addict allegedly stole multiple footy jumpers signed by AFL icon Ron Barassi from a Deakin Ave car park. Picture: David Caird

A self-confessed Mildura heroin addict is accused of stealing several valuable footy jumpers signed by AFL legend Ron Barassi from a Deakin Ave car park, a court has heard.

Matthew McTeare, 46, fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court to apply for bail on 79 charges including multiple charges of theft, burglary and failing to answer bail.

The court heard Mr McTeare and a co-accused allegedly entered the secure storage area of a Deakin Ave car park last August using a roller door remote. Police claim the pair stole AFL memorabilia, including jumpers signed by Ron Barassi, valued at more than $30,000.

Police further alleged in March of this year Mr McTeare walked into Body Fit Training (BFT) in Mildura through an unlocked door taking items including heart rate monitors, iPads, a first aid kit, and clothing from the lost and found.

A legendary player and coach, the merchandise bearing Mr Footballs signature swiped by Matthew McTeare was said to be valued at more than $30,000.

Mr McTeare purportedly sold the items he had allegedly stolen from BFT for $300 to feed his heroin habit.

In a separate incident, Woolworths staff at Mildura Central on Fifteenth St alleged they saw Mr McTeare stuffing several packets of meat down his pants during another shop theft.

The court heard Mr McTeare allegedly told police during an interview he would continue to steal to fund his heroin habit and wouldn’t stop.

His lawyer Hugh Middleton told the court Mr McTeare was now determined to get clean following recent time in custody, describing his client as upfront about his struggle with addiction.

Mr McTeare allegedly told police he would continue to steal to fund his heroin habit and wouldn’t stop. Picture: Generic

Mr Middleton also told the court Mr McTeare could immediately enter drug treatment at Mildura Base Public Hospital’s Ward Five if granted bail.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan said just because that option was available to Mr McTeare, it didn’t necessarily mean he would take it.

“He’s already on eight sets of bail and there was a burglary committed just four days ago,” Mr Coghlan said.

“Mr McTeare, I am not going to give you bail today,” he continued.

Matthew McTeare is next slated to appear at Mildura Magistrates Court on April 3.