Steven Pappin pleads guilty to shocking Mildura crime spree involving multiple car thefts and break-ins

A Mildura man admitted to a brazen crime spree, committing numerous aggravated burglaries and stealing multiple cars.

Steven Pappin pleaded guilty to multiple car thefts as well as multiple aggravated burgalries, amongst other crimes at Mildura Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Generic

A Mildura man has pleaded guilty to a shocking crime spree that saw him steal cars from driveways, ransack homes, and loot a caravan park, a court has heard.

Steven Pappin fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court to face multiple charges of both theft of motor vehicle and aggravated burglary.

The court heard Pappin stole vehicles in brazen thefts in Mildura and Red Cliffs, including a red Mazda 3, a white Ford ute and a black Nissan Navarra.

On top of the car thefts, Pappin allegedly had a penchant for breaking into vehicles, as well as homes, smashing a window on a Nissan Pulsar and stole a woman’s handbag containing her wallet with numerous credit cards inside of it.

Pappin was witnessed by one of his victims backing the red Mazda 3 out of their driveway during one brazen theft.

He also broke into a caravan park on Fifteenth St and was seen shining a torch through car windows before stealing items from a car.

Magistrate Patrick Southey handed Pappin a six month sentence for his crimes.

Defending Pappin, lawyer Sasha Tuliakiono argued for a short custodial sentence, pointing to his 102 days in pre-sentence detention.

Ms Tuliakiono also pointed to Pappin’s mental health issues and addiction issues.

Leading senior constable Kristen Simm argued strongly against Magistrate Patrick Southey acquiescing to that request, saying if he handed down that sentence, it would be “manifestly inadequate“.

“This court has an obligation to protect the community and send a message to other offenders that they should expect to receive a high sentence,” Sen Constable Simm said.

Ultimately, Mr Southey agreed with the police prosecutor and offered Mr Pappin a six-month sentence indication that he duly accepted.

“You’ve got to stop breaking into people’s homes and stealing their property.”

“It’s a valuable plea. Had you not pleaded guilty, it would have been at least nine months in prison … you’re convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.”

Taking into account his time served, Pappin will likely be released in early April 2025.