By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A MAN allegedly discovered with four bags filled with cigarette lighters, cigarettes, phone chargers and assorted goods in a Hampton Park shop has argued he had been accidentally locked inside the store.
Aaron Raymond Greenwood was refused bail during the hearing at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 22 August.
Police informant Sergeant Kim Staples of Cranbourne police told the court that Greenwood – who
“had a serious drug habit” – had allegedly hid in an Uncle Buck’s store as it was locked up on 21 August.
The court was told the accused allegedly collected $2420 of goods after staff had left the store.
Greenwood then allegedly triggered a silent alarm when he broke into a next-door bottle shop through an adjoining roller door, Sgt Staples said.
In the Bottle-O Splash Liquor store, Greenwood allegedly added $155 of cigarettes and a can of Red Bull to his haul.
A bottle-shop staff member, alerted by the alarm, returned to the store and confronted Greenwood – who then hid in Uncle Buck’s before his arrest by police.
Greenwood, who represented himself, told the court he had been stuck inside Uncle Buck’s after being locked inside.
“The only reason I went to Bottle-O was for the alarm to go off so I could get out.
“I threw out the cigarettes (to the returning staff member) and hoped I could go home but he called the police.”
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen told Greenwood: “I don’t believe what you said to me.”
Greenwood, who said he used ice and GHB, was on bail at the time over other theft matters in June and July.
Some of those charges related to him allegedly using a stolen drivers’ licence to test drive – and not return – a vehicles from a Dandenong car yard.
He was also accused of using the stolen licence to attempt to take out a $5000 bank loan in Frankston.
There was also an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on 16 August on charges of disqualified driving and using an unregistered vehicle.
Mr Vandersteen said Greenwood was accused of an “escalating” series of offences on six separate occasions since being put on a community corrections order in late April.
“Things are completely out of control at the moment,” Mr Vandersteen said.
“On the face of it, the prosecution case is strong.
“I wouldn’t consider releasing you without significant supports in place.”
