Springvale man faces court over burglary where kid called police while hiding in wardrobe
THE MAN who allegedly burgled a Springvale home while a brave child hiding in a wardrobe rang police, has appeared in court.
South East
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THE MAN who allegedly burgled a Springvale home, while a terrified child hiding in a wardrobe rang police, has faced court.
The incident frightened 10-year-old Kate Luong so much she was “shaking with fear, crying hysterically and unable to speak”, court documents stated.
Hong-Ngoc Ly, 46 of Springvale, appeared at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage, handling stolen goods and theft.
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He was on bail at the time of the alleged offending, police said, and has not yet entered a plea.
Mr Ly is alleged to have burgled the house while young Kate hid and courageously called 000, guiding police to her door.
A police summary stated that around 5.30pm on May 3 Kate was home alone, with her family having left for a short period of time to go and collect dinner.
Documents show she was in her bedroom when she heard the front gate rattle and heard noises in the backyard.
She looked out of her window and saw an unknown man, who police allege was Mr Ly, standing there.
She then heard smashing glass, and “terrified and trembling” with fear, hid in her bedroom wardrobe and called 000.
Police quickly arrived and saw the alleged burglar, who tried to run off, and arrested him.
Mr Ly told police he was in the vicinity of the house because he had “stayed at (the house) a number of times in the past when it was vacant”, and claimed he was wearing latex gloves to keep his hands warm.
He told investigators a watch found down his pants, which police believe had been stolen from the Luong property, had been purchased for $10 from a man in a Dandenong street.
The court heard Mr Ly also faces other charges relating to drugs and court breaches, and needed more time to prepare.
He was remanded to face court again on August 9.
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