‘Trolley man’ in cafe burglary just hours before Bourke St attack heroics
Bourke St “trolley man” Michael Rogers says he is “driven” to prove his doubters wrong after being bailed over a string of burglary and theft offences. This is what he plans to do next.
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“Trolley man” Michael Rogers says he is “driven” to prove his doubters wrong after being bailed over a string of burglary and theft offences.
He has vowed to reconnect with his family and “listen to instructions” now he is free.
“I’ve got butterflies in my stomach because I know people have faith in me,” Mr Rogers told the Sunday Herald Sun.
“And knowing they have faith gives me the drive to succeed. But my first priority is to abstain from drugs and listen to the instructions … and I plan to do that.”
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Mr Rogers, 46, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today over a bike theft and robbery of $500 from a cafe the day before rushing to help police during the Bourke St terrorist attack.
Police opposed bail because of his substantial criminal history dating back to 1991 and including charges of aggravated burglary, car theft, drug trafficking, possessing a controlled weapon, unlawful assault and assault police.
In June, he was convicted and ordered to pay a $300 fine for assaulting an emergency worker on duty.
He is now accused of following a resident to gain entry to a St Kilda Rd apartment block last month, where he stole a $2000 custom-made bicycle.
Two days later, the alleged victim spotted his bike locked up outside a backpackers’ hostel on Flinders St and filmed Mr Rogers unlocking the bike and attempting to ride away.
Mr Rogers dumped the bike and fled after he was confronted, the court heard.
Then, on November 8 about 3am, Mr Rogers and a mate were allegedly filmed breaking into a CBD cafe and stealing about $500 cash from the till.
The next day, footage emerged of Mr Rogers ramming Hassan Khalif Shire Ali with a shopping trolley as he tried to attack police officers.
Wearing a black jumper and cargo pants, Mr Rogers, who has been homeless for 18 years, entered the court with his arms crossed and sat expressionless throughout the hearing.
His lawyer, Melinda Walker, today told the court Mr Rogers had been given a “unique and incredible” opportunity and a chance to turn his life around.
After handing himself into police on Friday night, he was charged with two counts each of burglary and theft, and one of committing a offence while on bail.
The National Homeless Collective’s Donna Stolzenberg, who raised more than $145,000 for Mr Rogers through a GoFund Me campaign, told the court the money would provide support and accommodation for Mr Rogers.
Magistrate Bob Kumar granted Mr Rogers bail on strict conditions including that he cannot set foot in the Melbourne CBD, report to police daily and comply with a curfew.
Mr Rogers said last night in the short term he planned to hit the gym and see a psychologist.
“I am staying positive but I am a bit overwhelmed and out of my comfort zone,” he said.
“It’s hard but I am doing this for myself and those who are putting their back out for me.”
He is due back in court on November 24.