Ali Taha of Epping accused of breaking into Wollert townhouse
A 19-year-old Epping man allegedly smashed his way into a house, causing thousands of dollars damage and stealing a large amount of jewellery. And that’s not all police are after him for.
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A teenager who allegedly forced his way into a Wollert home and stole a heap of jewellery and other valuables is also being investigated for drug dealing, a court has heard.
Ali Taha allegedly smashed his way into the townhouse during the day before he ransacked every room, causing thousands of dollars of damage.
The 19-year-old fronted Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 10, having spent 21 days behind bars.
The court heard Taha allegedly broke glass on the front door of the Piccadilly St house then forced open the deadlock between 7.30am and 4pm on June 11.
Senior Constable Max Angus said 15-20 handbags, jewellery, numerous watches, sunglasses and power tools were taken from the home, before the resident’s jewellery box was found in an Epping bin.
After Taha’s fingerprint was allegedly found on the box, police searched his home on June 18, allegedly finding some of the stolen jewellery, watches and sunglasses in his bedroom.
Taha wasn’t home, but his brother allegedly told police Taha had given him two watches, which had also been allegedly stolen in the burglary.
When Taha was arrested at his home on June 20 another of the allegedly stolen watches was arecovered, the court heard.
Senior Constable Angus said police then looked on Taha’s phone, allegedly finding a conversation where he said he and another man had worn gloves during the burglary.
They also allegedly found a conversation where Taha said the police search had missed his cocaine stash, as well as many photos of cocaine and cannabis, and evidence he had searched ‘how to cut cocaine’ on google.
The court heard Taha had also been arrested on September 19 when he was allegedly stopped while speeding in Epping.
Taha was allegedly belligerent and aggressive and a set of scales was found down his pants.
He was then taken to his home in Epping, which police were searching.
Taha allegedly had to be handcuffed because of his aggression and resisted police instructions before allegedly revealing he had 10 grams of cannabis in his underwear.
Senior Constable Angus said police were still investigating Taha for drug trafficking, having allegedly found deal bags and scales in his room.
The court heard the alleged victim of the burglary told police she felt scared in her home since the incident, and carpets, door and walls needed to be repaired in the house.
Taha’s lawyer proposed he be bailed on Youth Justice Supervised bail, saying he risked being incarcerated longer than he would be sentenced to, if guilty, because of delays in the court system.
Magistrate Meagan Keogh said she had significant concerns about the “very serious” alleged crimes, which could be met with a jail term.
But she noted Taha was a young person and bailed him with strict conditions.
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