By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Two home-invaders involved in a violent ransacking of a man in his own home have been jailed for a minimum of two-and-a-half years.
Jesse Pellow, 26, and Tegan Sampson, 22, of Berwick, were in a gang of four who forced their way in as the occupant opened the front door about 1.30am on 16 November.
After the attack, the man drove himself to Cranbourne police station and was treated at Dandenong Hospital for bruising to his head and cuts inside his mouth.
County Court of Victoria judge Lisa Hannan stated the man described an “emotional toll” due to being assaulted in his own home.
He’d been wracked by anxiety, hypervigilance, insomnia and nightmares. His faith in humanity was “shattered”.
“You showed absolutely no regard for the victim’s welfare,” Judge Hannan told the co-accused.
“We’re all entitled to feel safe in our own homes, and you seriously compromised the victim’s rights in that regard.”
The day before the attack, Sampson had texted the man for money. The man, who was an associate, told her he only had $150.
Late that night, he took a call from Sampson who said she was at his house.
He saw her outside and opened the door in the belief she was on her own.
Once the group forced their way inside, Pellow and an unknown male punched the victim in the face.
“We don’t want any trouble,” Sampson said. “We just want the money.”
The victim was followed upstairs by an unknown female wielding a stick or baton as he retrieved $150 cash.
Pellow meanwhile stole three mobile phones, a computer, a wallet with cards, and a set of keys.
He demanded the victim tell him the PINs for the credit cards – from which $2485 was withdrawn by Pellow in multiple transactions on CCTV.
As the group left the house, the unknown female struck the victim with the wooden weapon.
They drove off in a $28,000 Holden stolen by Pellow from his cousin and partner, where he’d been staying in Warragul. He demanded $2000 to return the vehicle, which was rebuffed.
The vehicle has not been since recovered.
Pellow then used credit cards stolen from his cousin and partner to withdraw more than $2100.
The thefts had been a serious abuse of the relative’s trust and generosity, Judge Hannan said.
When arrested, both offenders gave no-comment interviews to police.
Sampson was also charged with ice possession and kicking a police officer while in custody, causing the officer to fall backwards.
She was at the time at the start of an 18-month community corrections order for offences including burglary, theft, criminal damage and dealing with proceeds of crime.
However, her parents and a psychologist observed her dramatic improvement in recent months, including giving up ice.
Her prospects for rehabilitation were largely dependent on remaining drug-free, Judge Hannan said.
Pellow had been previously convicted and jailed for recklessly causing injury during a “glassing” at a hotel as well as a variety of driving, drug and “street” offences.
Judge Hannan said it was still in the interest of the community that Pellow, as a relatively young man, could be rehabilitated.
“That’s the best protection for the community from your offending in the future.”
Pellow was jailed for up to 49 months, including a 30-month non-parole period. He had already served 307 days in remand.
Sampson was jailed for 43 months, including a 30-month non-parole period. She had served 55 days in remand.
