Moonee Ponds burglary: Search for man who allegedly stole jewellery belonging to slain Courtney Herron

A heartbroken Moonee Ponds woman is pleading for the return of her late daughter’s stolen jewellery during a home invasion close to the anniversary of her brutal death.

The devastated mother of slain woman Courtney Herron is pleading with the offender who stole her late daughter’s jewellery from their home to return the sentimental pieces.

Maxi Antoniou returned to her Moonee Ponds home to find it “turned upside down” and her daughter’s jewellery — a gold cross and a Pandora bracelet — stolen.

“I can’t describe the feeling of having her gone and this person taking that jewellery. It’s not expensive. It’s sentimental, it’s legacy. It’s my family’s legacy, “ she said.

Ms Antoniou said the theft of the jewellery was “just as bad as when Courtney was murdered”, especially since Courtney’s death anniversary just passed.

Courtney Herron was killed in 2019 when Henry Hammond, 29, struck her with a branch for an hour until her face became unrecognisable.

Hammond — who was found not guilty of murder due to mental impairment — was ordered to spend 25 years in a psychiatric hospital.

“I can’t describe the feeling of having her gone and then this person taking that jewellery which is not expensive,” she said.

The brazen thief also stole trinkets and other jewellery while Ms Antoniou had stepped out of the house for the first time since her daughter died to reconnect with her best friend over a coffee.

“The most valuable to me is the three gold crosses on a simple chain, one Courtney’s, one my father’s and one my mum’s that I had kept out so I could put it onto one chain,” she said.

“It’s interesting because I had more expensive watches and stuff out, and they didn’t take them, so they obviously picked and chose.”

Police hope this man can help with their inquiries.

Police believe the offender jumped the rear fence of Ms Antoniou’s home and kicked the back door to get access on Sunday, July 1, around 4pm.

Moonee Valley detective Senior Constable Chris Hammond said it was “horrific” for Ms Antoniou to go through something like this.

“(Ms Antoniou) has been traumatised enough by the passing of her daughter that now the robbery has occurred, we just really hope we can get some things back,” he said.

Ms Antoniou pleaded for anyone with any information to come forward.

“I just want those pieces of jewellery back. They are my connections to the people who have left. I have spent the last three years in chronic depression,” she said.

Maxi Antoniou, the mother of Courtney Herron, speaking to the media on Monday.

Ms Antoniou said that wearing Courtney’s cross while sitting in the public coronial inquest was very important to her.

“I need to be wearing that for my heart because I know it will be tough, but that’s my straight connection to her,” she said,

“To the person who has taken the jewellery: I don’t want that person. I want to get each of those items.”

Investigators have released CCTV and images of a man who may be able to help with their inquiries.

The man is described as being of Middle-Eastern appearance, aged in his 50s, with solid build, black and grey hair with a thin goatee.

He was wearing a fluoro yellow and dark jacket, brown shirt, dark pants and white runners.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au.