Mohammed Barahuee behind Optical Solutions Port Melbourne burglary

A Reservoir pastor’s son stole $70k worth of equipment in a major Port Melbourne burglary. He’s also accused of serious violence.

Barahuee and his accomplice broke in by smashing the glass entrance. (Generic photo)

A Reservoir pastor’s son was behind a shocking burglary at a Port Melbourne business, during which $70,000 worth of electrical equipment was stolen.

Mohammed Barahuee, 33, was sentenced to six months’ jail and a 12-month community corrections order before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court, pleading guilty to charges including burglary and drug driving.

The ex-mechanic was working with another man when he carried out the attack on Optical Solutions on Prohasky St, Port Melbourne just after 1am on November 6.

The court heard the thieves pulled up to the property in a Toyota Hilux ute before they used a hammer to smash the glass windows and raided the business.

The pair loaded $70,000 worth of optical and electrical equipment into the ute’s tray, while a female sat smoking in the ute’s cabin.

After they fled the scene the ute was reported to police as being driven erratically about 1.54pm, before officers tracked it down in Craigieburn.

They arrested Barahuee on an outstanding warrant but had no knowledge of the burglary and didn’t manage to intercept the stolen equipment.

Barahuee also fronted the court for numerous other incidents where he was found out on northern suburbs streets carrying illicit items, including ammunition, meth, cannabis, stolen clothing and a knife.

He was also caught driving while on meth and cannabis when police stopped him in Donvale in August 2019.

The court heard the father of an eight-year-old daughter had an 11-page criminal history, including prior convictions for drug driving, and was an ongoing drug user.

It was heard Barahuee was also accused of an affray later in the evening of November 6 — hours after he was arrested by police after the burglary.

Barahuee’s lawyer said his client had fallen into criminality after his marriage broke down several years earlier and was very ashamed of his behaviour.

It was submitted that his mum, the pastor of a Reservoir church, was keen to support Barahuee in getting his life back on track.

Magistrate Stephen Ballek said the crime was a serious instance of the charge of burglary.

Mr Ballek noted Barahuee had already served 181 days’ jail, but would not be able to be released immediately as he was being held in custody on the outstanding charges.

Barahuee was also fined $300 and his licence was disqualified for 12 months.