Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court: Shannon Dunstan pleads guilty to multiple theft and possession charges
An opportunistic thief has fronted court after being caught stealing a mobile phone and hiding drugs in a compromising place.
South East
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A man has been busted hiding drugs between his butt cheeks after attempting to steal a phone from a major telco store.
Shannon Dunstan pleaded guilty in the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on October 5 to multiple charges including theft, drug possession and handling proceeds of crime.
The court heard Dunstan had been released from prison just two months prior to his attempted theft at an Elsternwick Optus outlet on September 20.
Originally there to purchase a sim-card, Dunstan saw an unattended Oppo mobile phone on the counter and pocketed it
He attempted to leave the store, but witnesses raised the alarm.
Police were called as an altercation between Dunstan and a witness ensued outside the store, ruining his escape.
The court heard Dunstan had a taxi waiting for him, where police discovered a mountain bike, multiple mobile phones, a television, bolt cutters and a torch.
Investigators found a serial number on the bike, linking it to a theft from an inner-city restaurant three days prior.
The court heard Dunstan told police that he had bought the mountain bike from a friend and did not know it was stolen.
During the arrest and subsequent body search, police discovered Dunstan had an 8cm box-cutter in his pocket and that he was hiding a yellow case between his buttocks, concealing multiple zip lock bags containing methamphetamines, MDMA and multiple pills.
Dunstan’s lawyer Adrian Dessi, said the theft of the phone was “entirely opportunistic” and the other phones found in his possession were going to be used for parts.
“None of the other phones in his possession were stolen items or linked to theft,” he said.
Magistrate Stephen Lee said he needed more time in order to sentence Dunstan correctly, due to his history in violating community corrections orders.
Dunstan will return to court for sentencing on November 9.
gemma.scerri@news.com.au
