Shannon Jordan: Melton truckie turns to drugs and crime following coronavirus
A Melton truck driver took advantage of Melbourne’s regional travel ban when he ransacked two unoccupied rural holiday homes and stole thousands of dollars worth of stuff. And his excuses didn’t stack up in court.
West
Don't miss out on the headlines from West. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Melton truckie who lost his job during the coronavirus pandemic fell into drugs and crime to earn an income, a court has heard.
Shannon Jordan, 30, ransacked two rural properties near Warranwood with co-offenders in June and July, the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court heard on September 28.
He and his mates stole thousands of dollars worth of tools, farming equipment and a Yamaha quad bike from the holiday homes, which belonged to two separate families living in Melbourne.
CCTV footage and DNA evidence found on a set of latex gloves left at one property linked Jordan to the crime, the court heard.
Police investigations uncovered his involvement in the second burglary.
Jordan’s lawyer, Una Ebsworth, told the court her client had a history of drug use and had spent time behind bars in the past.
But she told the court he’d since gotten himself clean and was doing well until the virus struck and caused him to lose his job and spiral back into using the drug ice.
“It’s conceded from the outset this is serious offending,” Ms Ebsworth told the court.
“He’s looking at a continuous cycle of offending and longer and longer terms of imprisonment … he recognises he needs to get his drug use under control before he is able to move on with his life and be a productive member of the community.”
Magistrate Tom Barrett convicted and sentenced Jordan to 18 months’ jail and fined him $300.
Mr Barrett indicated had it not been for Jordan’s early guilty plea he would have sentenced him to two years’ prison.
MORE NEWS:
DRUNKEN HAIRDRESSER KICKS POLICE OFFICER AT CONCERT