Cash-strapped cat lover jailed after breaking into homes, Mornington Peninsula animal shelter
A cat lover who went to extremes in a desperate bid to be reunited with her four legged friend locked up in an animal shelter has been jailed. But a sad series of events led the woman to break the law, a court has heard.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A cash-strapped cat lover who broke into a Mornington Peninsula animal shelter in a bid to retrieve her beloved pet without paying has been jailed.
And Anna Harrison continued the spree by breaking into another house and nicking two bikes after her attempt to be reunited with her furry friend failed.
The Frankston Magistrates Court heard Harrison jumped the fence at Mornington Peninsula Animal Shelter after 5pm on January 22, hours after she’d been told she would need to make a payment before the feline was handed over.
After she failed to find her pet during a desperate search, Harrison then made her way to a nearby street where she rummaged through the homeowner’s pantry before taking two bikes from the house next door about 2am on January 23.
The prosecution said Harrison denied stealing the bikes when she was arrested and claimed she was only out to retrieve her cat.
The court heard a homeowner was frightened to discover Harrison asleep on her couch and food littered across her floor as she came downstairs to make a coffee about 8.15am on May 25.
The prosecution said Harrison entered through an unlocked back door before stealing items from the victim’s handbag and looking for something to eat.
Harrison’s lawyer said his client suffered from post traumatic stress disorder sparked by a traumatic childhood, the death of her boyfriend due to a heroin overdose.
He said Harrison had predominantly taken food items and that all other items had been recovered.
“She stopped using heroin but used ice and prescription medication,” he said.
“Her decline in mental health contributed to the offending (but) she has made the most of her time in custody.”
Magistrate Charles Tan said Harrison’s life story attracted a “degree of sympathy” but told her that aggravated burglary was still “very serious”.
“You didn’t steal items of great value but it does impact on people who think they are safe in their homes,” Mr Tan said.
“Your youngest son is a (motivation) driver … I hope it’s enough to make you not want to see the inside of a jail cell (again).”
Harrison pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and was sentenced to three months behind bars with 57 days in custody as time served.
She was ordered to complete a 15 month community corrections order after she is released.
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
MORE NEWS
CRANBOURNE CRASH TEEN SENTENCED FOR CRIME SPREE
VIRUS CONSPIRACY THEORISTS TARGET CASEY RESIDENTS
ALLEGED TEEN HOON SAID HE “KNEW” HOW TO GET COPS OFF HIS TAIL