Scott Quilliam jailed after New Years home invasion in Belmont

A Newcomb man who struck a sleeping woman in the head during a terrifying home invasion has been jailed.

Scott Quilliam has been jailed after a home invasion on New Year’s Day this year.

A Newcomb man who attacked a sleeping woman with a broom inside her home on New Year’s Day has been jailed.

Scott Quilliam, 21, appeared in the County Court in Geelong via video link on Monday and was sentenced to six years in jail with a non-parole period of three year and 10 months.

He earlier pleaded guilty to two counts each of aggravated burglary, intentionally damaging property and theft, one count of recklessly causing injury and obtaining financial advantage by deception and a summary charge of driving while disqualified.

During sentencing, Judge Gerard Mullaly described Quilliam’s crimes as “a nightmare that sends chills through decent members of our community”.

In the early hours of January 1 this year, Quilliam broke into a home on Torquay Rd in Grovedale where a woman was home alone and sleeping inside.

Quilliam went into the woman’s bedroom to steal her phone before hitting her on the head with a broom.

The woman then grabbed a curtain rod to defend herself and was able to fend Quilliam off before running outside to flag down a passing car to help.

“The victim presented no danger to you,” Judge Mullaly said.

The blow caused a “significant” laceration to the victim’s forehead which required stitches and has left a scar.

Judge Mullaly said Quilliam then drove the victim’s car to a service station and used her credit card to pay for drinks and chocolate.

Quilliam then drove to Hamlyn Heights and rammed the car into garage roller doors at three separate properties, causing significant damage.

Police found him “significantly intoxicated” at the scene.

Scott Quilliam being arrested by police. Source: Channel 7

Judge Mullaly said Quilliam’s early childhood was “marred by violence” from his father.

He said Quilliam had problems with binge drinking since he was 16 and used cannabis for “some years” which progressed into heroin and methamphetamine.

In a letter tended to the court written by Quilliam, he said his time in custody had given him an opportunity to reflect on his offending.

“I’ve caused hurt to my community, my family and myself,” he wrote.

The court heard Quilliam was remorseful for his actions and had completed a number of courses in custody.

Had Quilliam not pleaded guilty, he would have been jailed for eight years.

“To send a young man to jail for some of what should be the best years of his life is a grave step not taken lightly,” Judge Mullaly said.

Quilliam has already served 315 days in custody which will be reckoned as time served.

He will also be disqualified from driving for six months when he is released.

Originally published as Scott Quilliam jailed after New Years home invasion in Belmont