George Koutsoupas: Manhole plan to break into Oggs in South Yarra
His method of busting into a closed chemist from the hotel next door was like something out of a blockbuster movie.
South East
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A pharmacy pilferer used a novel way to get into a South Yarra chemist from which $90,000 worth of medication and perfumes were stolen, a court has heard.
DNA belonging to George Koutsoupas was found on a discarded energy drink bottle inside Oggs Pharmacy in Toorak Rd after it had been robbed sometime in May or June last year.
The chemist, which was closed at the time but remained fully stocked, had been directly accessed through a manhole from Hotel Claremont next door.
The 43-year-old Murrumbeena man had been staying at the guesthouse during that time.
Koutsoupas pleaded guilty at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Thursday to theft, stolen goods, proceeds of crime and drugs charges.
He admitted trespassing and stealing the Powerade bottle from the chemist, but no burglary charge was laid against him.
The $87,000 worth of stolen perfumes, medications, pills and tablets has not been recovered.
Koutsoupas was also nabbed walking from an empty South Yarra apartment in March this year with a tub full of nicked gear.
He was caught leaving the unoccupied unit with a stolen purse, ID cards, a passport, two handbags, a watch, earrings, necklaces and several pairs of shoes.
In August last year he was found in a parked car in Noble Park with testosterone, ice, heroin, GHB, gloves, a screwdriver and a torch.
He was also found with more ice in a raid on a Springvale house where he was staying in October last year.
His defence lawyer said although his client had a deception and drug-related criminal history he was determined to address his substance abuse issues when he was released.
Magistrate Suzette Dootjes said drugs had been an issue for him for a long time and he should appreciate the help his family and corrections would be able to provide for him when he is let out of prison.
Koutsoupas was jailed for a total of 138 days, minus 124 days he has already served, and placed on a 12-month community corrections order with drug and mental health treatment conditions.
