Mechanic Robert Samuel Ursida charged with possession of drugs, identity theft tools
An Adelaide mechanic who stole skill-testers from shopping centres is back in court, after allegedly being busted with drugs, watches and Medicare cards.
A man who stole skill-tester machines from northern suburbs shopping centres is back in court after allegedly being busted with Medicare cards, blank credit cards and luxury watches.
Mechanic Robert Samuel Ursida, 47, appeared in Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Monday after police allegedly spotted him driving a car with a stolen licence plate.
Inside the car they found two 650-700ml bottles of liquid GHB and fantasy, the court heard.
Police later attended Mr Ursida’s residence in Parafield Gardens and allegedly found car keys, a bong, 40 blank credit cards, number plates, a card skimmer, two luxury watches including a Rolex, and Medicare cards belonging to other people.
He was arrested and charged with one count of trafficking in a controlled drug, dishonestly dealing with documents, possessing equipment to commit identity theft, failing to hold a learner’s permit and three counts of unlawful possession.
The court heard the items were under the kickboards of the home’s kitchen cabinet.
Defence for Mr Ursida said that their client “strongly contests” the allegations, lived in the home with six other people and would be waiting a substantial time in custody prior to a trial.
Prosecutors told the court Mr Ursida would not be a “suitable candidate” for bail, as his prior criminal history gave them little confidence he would comply with court orders.
“Essentially, and the crux of my submission is, he is a risk in respect to reoffending, he doesn’t appear to get it,” prosecutors told Magistrate David White.
“He has committed a number of offences while on a suspended sentence bond, so we say a term of imprisonment is likely.”
Mr Ursida was sentenced earlier this year to four months jail, suspended on a two-year good-behaviour bond with 12-month supervision, for stealing three skill-tester machines.
The court heard Mr Ursida had begun drug rehab and gained full-time employment since and needed to help his daughter who suffered from anorexia.
Mr White denied Mr Ursida bail, and remanded him in custody to return to court in April next year.
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Originally published as Mechanic Robert Samuel Ursida charged with possession of drugs, identity theft tools
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