Rhyse Schrempf: Coolaroo man bailed for theft of $55,000 Nissan Patrol

An alleged Coolaroo car thief’s mum promises to dob him in to the cops if he misbehaves while on bail.

Rhyse Schrempf was bailed by a local magistrate.

A Coolaroo man has been bailed to live with his mum — who will dob on him if his misbehaves — for allegedly stealing a car, despite fierce police opposition.

Rhyse Schrempf, 28, will return to his mum’s house this week after Magistrate Mathew White agreed to release him while he awaits trial over the theft of a car in January worth $55,000.

Senior Constable Zoe McCaig told the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on Thursday that in North Warrandyte on January 8, Schrempf allegedly stole a white Nissan Patrol, before setting the chassis on fire and selling its parts.

Senior Constable McCaig said that on January 17 four car tyres belonging to the stolen car were listed as being for sale on Facebook marketplace, with text message exchanges allegedly between Schrempf, his sister and his brother-in-law proving that all had knowledge of the stolen car.

In a spirited cross-examination barrister Nicholas Rolfe, acting for Schrempf, put it to Senior Constable McCaig that the case against his client was circumstantial and incomplete – a proposition strongly refuted.

In reference to the text messages obtained by police, Mr Rolfe said that no detailed analysis of the phone records had so far taken place.

Schrempf’s mother, Elizabeth Schrempf, said in evidence that she would “call the police” if she found out her son was using drugs.

Ms Schrempf said that she was aware her son had previously battled with ice, but said she believed he had overcome it.

Mr White said the charges were “very serious” but said agreed with the defence, describing the case as circumstantial.

“You need to make sure you take every step in the right direction,” he told the accused.