Pakenham crook who went on a six-month crime spree was given drugs by his mum at age 12
A Pakenham 20-year-old had a bad start in life, given drugs by his mum before he was even a teen. Eight years later he went on a six-month crime spree, and now he’s spending time behind bars.
South East
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A drug-addicted crook who committed dozens of crimes across the southeast suburbs was given ice by his mum at the age of 12, a court has heard.
Liam O’Halloran was involved in aggravated burglaries, car thefts, police pursuits, assaults and drug and driving offences between December 2019 and June 2020.
The 20-year-old from Pakenham pleaded guilty to 31 charges at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The court heard he led police on a pursuit across several suburbs that ended in a crash in Bangholme, twice assaulted his mum and drove a car through Endeavour Hills.
He also committed an aggravated burglary in Ivanhoe, ransacking the house and stealing the homeowner’s car, as well as a series of dishonesty offences.
His defence lawyer said O’Halloran had substance abuse issues from a very young age, having been introduced to methamphetamine by his mother when he was just 12.
Magistrate Andrew Halse said substances became a part of his disadvantaged life at a very young age and it was particularly sad that he used with his mother.
But his longstanding alcohol and drug problems didn’t excuse his behaviour.
“You broke into a house in the company of others where two people were inside and ransacked their home,” Mr Halse said.
“There is an impact on those individuals, how frightened must they have been.
“You are fast developing a troublesome criminal history.”
He said O’Halloran did show some signs of remorse and a willingness to undertake treatment for his addictions, but his prospects of rehabilitation “couldn’t be regarded as positive”.
“You are considered a high risk of reoffending, but you have stated you want to turn your life around,” he said.
“I encourage you wholeheartedly to do just that.
“Should you continue to commit further offences, longer and longer period of imprisonment (will be the result).”
O’Halloran was jailed for 12 months and upon release must do a 12-month community corrections order with 120 hours of unpaid work.
His driving licence was also disqualified for 12 months.
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