Homeless man pleads guilty to stealing Olympian Drew Ginn’s medals

A homeless man with an 18-page criminal history was able to steal four Olympic medals from a member of Australia’s “Oarsome Foursome” rowing team due to a faulty car lock.

A homeless man has admitted stealing Drew Ginn's four Olympic medals.

A homeless man was able to steal four Olympic medals — including three gold — from a member of Australia’s “Oarsome Foursome” rowing team due to a faulty car lock.

Drew Ginn’s medals from four Olympic Games were taken from his Land Rover parked on Cumberland St in Docklands about 5am on September 6.

Luke Tones, 47, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he admitted to the theft, along with dozens of other vehicle break-ins, thefts and drug offences.

The court heard Mr Ginn locked his car but a faulty boot lock allowed Tones to get in.

A wetsuit, GoPro, drone and wallet were also stolen but the Olympian told ABC Radio Melbourne he couldn’t put a price on the medals.

“They’ve got a lot of value for family and friends but you can’t insure them,” he said in September.

Luke Tones, 47, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday where he admitted to the theft of the medals.

Mr Ginn said he left the medals in the car after he visited a school for a speaking engagement a week earlier.

“They were hidden away in the car but the car was ransacked completely so lots of stuff was broken and destroyed,” he said.

“It seemed like someone on the street had come past the car and maybe was targeting cars in Docklands and sort of hit the jackpot with the gold medals being in there.”

The court heard Tones used Mr Ginn’s bank cards to hire an e-scooter under the name Steve Austin and to purchase food at Hungry Jacks.

He also bought lollies and tobacco from Woolworths before he was arrested in Brunswick on September 11 after a public appeal.

Police at the time said the medals had not been recovered.

Tones pleaded guilty to more than 50 charges related to dozens of vehicle break-ins or attempted break-ins, thefts and drug offences dating back to December 2022.

Duncan Free and Drew Ginn pose with their Olympic gold medals after the 2008 games. Picture: Matt King

In one instance, Tones used a pruning saw to try to break into a convertible BMW, causing $17,000 in damage.

He also stole tools and a laptop during a burglary in St Kilda, later threatening to stab his victim who attempted a citizen’s arrest.

Tones’ lawyer Rachelle Gorbachinska, from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, told the court her client — who has an 18-page criminal history — had experienced homelessness for most of his adult life.

He also suffered significant substance abuse and mental and physical health issues, including epilepsy.

“Mr Tones has been incredibly remorseful and has wanted to face the court today to resolve these matters,” she said.

Mr Ginn was part of the Oarsome Foursome coxless four crew who won gold at the Atlanta 1996 Games and silver at London in 2012.

He also won gold medals in pair events at Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008.

Tones, who has been in custody since his arrest, will be sentenced at a later date.