Jake Robinson: Berwick jewellery applies for drug court to get a fresh start

A Berwick druggie swiped more than $60,000 worth of necklaces from a Southland jewellery — and later stole a Didi driver’s sandals during a crime spree.

A jewellery thief from Melbourne’s southeast who robbed $60,000 worth of necklaces earlier this year says he is “willing and ready” to change.

Jake Robinson, 26, of Berwick, was screened for drug court at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, attending via video link from Barwon prison.

Drug court is a post-sentence program focusing on the rehabilitation and treatment of offenders with a drug and/or alcohol dependency.

According to court documents, Robinson committed the jewellery robbery at Salera’s at Southland shopping centre on January 7 this year while on bail.

Later that night Robinson attempted a carjacking after he was dropped off at a Hampton Park address by a Didi, where he also stole his driver’s sandals.

He was arrested by police who arrived at 8:30pm but was deemed unfit for interview by a forensic medical officer due to being drug and alcohol affected.

Robinson’s submission for drug court was not opposed by police on Wednesday, with the court hearing he had made significant progress while in custody.

Magistrate Dr Michael King said it was “encouraging” that Robinson was motivated to turn his life around.

“I want you to picture in your mind what you want your life to be if you graduate from drug court,” Magistrate King said.

“Picture anything from housing or employment or anything that means you’re living a good life and think about what it would mean for you and your community if you achieved that life”.

Robinson was remanded in custody to appear in July for drug court.