Stefan Mateiasevici fronts court over crime spree
On bail for stealing parcels from doorsteps, a Mernda man goes on another crime spree— this time stealing six cars, number plates and 39 ID documents within three months.
North West
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A methed-up serial thief with an appalling history of dishonesty offences nicked six cars during a three-month burglary while on bail for similar offending.
Stefan Mateiasevici, 31, is back behind bars for the latest crime spree after admitting to 40 charges, including handling stolen goods, aggravated burglary, obtaining property by deception and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
He was sentenced to 17 months jail on all charges when he appeared in the County Court on Thursday.
Mateiasevici was on bail for a number of dishonesty and driving charges, including driving around Melbourne’s northern suburbs stealing parcels soon after they’ve been delivered to doorsteps, when he committed the last offences.
The Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court sentenced him to 15 months’ imprisonment in early 2023 for the earlier offending that included stealing parcels.
In the County Court on Thursday, Judge Daniel Holding said Mateiasevici’s crime spree spanned from December 2020 to March 2021 during which he drove around in stolen cars with false number plates.
He stole two vehicles while their owners were in their homes and when police searched his house, officers found 39 identity documents that he used to buy personal items.
Judge Holding said Mateiasevici clearly over the period of his offending lost sight of the impact his crimes had had on others.
“Motor vehicles are often one of the most valuable assets members of the community possess. Stealing six cars in circumstances of having a pattern of affixing false number plates is serious criminality.
“Your charges of driving without a licence raise concerns of community safety in circumstances where you are battling a drug addiction. You simply have to appreciate that when you relapse, there’s a pattern of offending.
“Unless you are able to successfully break your addiction, this type of offending is likely to see you return to jail.”
Mateiasevici told a psychologist that he began using methylamphetamine and GHB at the age of 15 and it escalated to him taking 3.5 grams and 30mls per day respectively.
Judge Holden said Mateiasevici’s criminal history was relevant to his prospects of rehabilitation and culpability as he has served a number of jail sentences for dishonesty and drug charges.
Mateiasevici will have to serve 10 months before he’s eligible for parole.
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