Serial thief who burgled houses and stole cars to pay off drug debts jailed for two years
A man who stole bravery medals, AFL cards — and even a vacuum cleaner and car spare wheels — to pay off drug debts has held his head in his hands as a Dandenong magistrate delivered his sentence.
South East
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A prolific burglar who stole bravery medals, AFL cards, jewellery, laptops, phones, model toys — and even car spare wheels — to pay drug debts has been jailed for two years.
Aaron Galea, 23, held his head in his hands as he was told he would spend at least a year in prison via video link at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Galea, 23, was sentenced for more than 50 crimes across the southeast suburbs.
He also led police on a pursuit through a shopping centre car park at 100km/h, stole cars from dealerships, committed petrol drive-offs and drove repeatedly while disqualified.
The thief also punched a shopping centre bakery worker who confronted him after he stole bread rolls.
His left his worst crime until last — on April 8 this year he and an associate were trying to hock items — including the medals, AFL cards, TV and even a vacuum cleaner — stolen a few days before from a Berwick property at a Pakenham pawn shop.
But the pawn shop worker became suspicious and phoned police.
When they arrived Galea sped off, with officers in hot pursuit.
They called off the chase after he sped through a car park at around 100km/h, narrowly missing a shopper.
He was tracked later that day to his Pakenham home and a search of his property uncovered items stolen in a series of burglaries.
Galea had burgled houses in Cranbourne, Lyndhurst and Malvern and stolen cars from Dingley, Glen Waverley, Hallam, Mulgrave and Oakleigh South.
His defence lawyer said her client had issues with drug addiction and had spent time at a rehabilitation centre, but was told to leave there for “wandering”.
She said he was “compelled to do this offending due to his drug debts” but he had demonstrated remorse and had “shown insight” into his crimes.
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Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said Galea had “run his race”.
“He’s had support in the past, it didn’t work, he’s committed further offences while on bail,” Mr Vandersteen said.
“There is a lot here, he has a lot of prior convictions (for similar offending).
“The amount and volume of (his) offending is overwhelming.”
Galea was jailed for two years with a non-parole period of 12 months, minus 137 days already served. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and must pay $10,550 in restitution.