Liam Carroll: Hastings ice addict in court over alleged thefts
An alleged Mornington Peninsula thief has made a shot at freedom, telling a magistrate that jail “is not the place” for him.
South East
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An alleged serial thief from the Mornington Peninsula has been given a chance at freedom, telling a magistrate it’s “make or break” as he attempts to get his life on track.
Liam Carroll, 27, fronted the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday facing charges over an alleged string of thefts on the Mornington Peninsula spanning from July last year to March.
It’s alleged the inked-up father of one, who has no criminal history, nicked items including a Domino’s Pizza scooter, CCTV system, Nintendo Switch, bottles of alcohol and power tools from various addresses in a bid to fund his ice habit.
In applying for bail the former carpenter told Magistrate Dr Michael King he had experienced a “wake up call” in custody and wanted to get “back on track” for his son, girlfriend and parents.
Carroll, who also faces outstanding drug trafficking, driving and theft charges, promised he would stay away from troubled associates in Hastings.
“This is somewhere I don’t want to come back to … prison’s a very scary place,” Carroll said via video link from Port Phillip Prison.
“I used to work full time and travelled Australia, then I lost my job, fell into depression and got on the drugs … one thing led to another.
“This is one of the worst things I’ve had to go through but one thing I had to go through to wake up to myself.
“I know I’ve got the tattoos but once you get to know me (you’ll see) I’m a good person, I just let the drugs get a hold of me.”
In granting bail Dr King told Carroll he had a “duty” to care for his six-year-old son and was “lucky” to have the support of his family.
“Think of your son, he should be foremost in your mind and the prime motivator for you to get your life on track,” he said.
“Do not test the patience of the police and the courts.”
Carroll, who had spent 36 days in custody, was bailed to a Doreen address with strict conditions including that he must not enter Hastings without a family member.
He will return to court on May 7.
