James Robert Miller refused bail after alleged crime spree on Central Coast

A magistrate has deemed an alleged offender a “human crime wave” when denying him bail after he was hit with a string of charges including drugs, weapons and break-in offences.

Miller is alleged to have been involved in an aggravated burglary and the Tall Timbers Hotel at Ourimbah. Picture: Google Maps

A magistrate has deemed an alleged offender a “human crime wave” when denying him bail after he was hit with a string of charges including drugs, weapons and break-in offences.

James Robert Miller, 29, of Kariong, has been charged with several serious offences, including aggravated break and enter, knowingly being carried in a stolen vehicle, supplying prohibited drugs, and possessing prohibited weapons.

He has entered no pleas to the charges.

Miller is alleged to have broken into a home in Kariong on February 23 this year at about 2am.

On March 25, it is alleged he took part in a break-in at the Tall Timbers Hotel in Ourimbah, and is also accused of breaking into the Chittaway Tavern on April 1 at 3.50am.

The series of alleged thefts netted close to $100,000, documents state.

He was also charged with knowingly being carried in a stolen vehicle on three separate occasions.

Miller is alleged to have stolen a cash redemption machine from Chittaway Tavern. Picture: Facebook

Police searched Miller’s home on December 31, 2024, where they allegedly found 39 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of heroin, a flick knife and a baton.

During a bail application in Gosford Local Court, his lawyer argued her client should be granted bail because he was vulnerable in custody, had strong community ties and was willing to comply with strict bail conditions.

Miller was refused bail in the Gosford Local Court.

The court heard Miller had spent three days in Westmead Hospital after being assaulted, suffering blunt force trauma to the head. However, the investigation into the attack ceased when he refused to co-operate with police.

His lawyer argued it was unclear how Miller was identified in CCTV footage and said there was a lack of forensic evidence in the prosecution’s case.

Police prosecutors allege the incidents were planned and co-ordinated, targeting three different venues while using stolen cars and fake number plates.

The court heard $110,000 was allegedly stolen across the three incidents, and most of the money had not been recovered.

Police allegedly found 39 grams of methamphetamine and 25 grams of heroin at Miller’s home in Kariong.

In relation to the drugs and weapons allegedly found at Miller’s home, police said forensic evidence linked them to the accused.

The court was also told that further serious charges are expected to be laid, including allegedly directing a criminal group.

Prosecutors said they had a strong case, supported by CCTV, fingerprints, DNA, mobile phone data and victim impact statements.

Magistrate Jennifer Giles described Miller as a “human crime wave” whose behaviour “could not be controlled”.

She refused bail, citing his criminal history and a failure to engage in rehabilitation.

Originally published as James Robert Miller refused bail after alleged crime spree on Central Coast