Accused club raider gets bail

A MAN who allegedly tried to sell stolen power tools at Cash Converters has been granted bail under strict conditions.

Stephen Wright, 48, of Armstrong Creek, appeared at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday charged with offences including burglary, theft, criminal damage, dealing stolen property, driving while suspended and handling stolen goods.

Mr Wright was arrested on September 6, with a co-accused, when he allegedly broke into a Grovedale soccer club and stole more than $500 of premixed drinks.

Mr Wright and a co-accused allegedly started smashing an internal plaster wall at the club before they were interrupted by police who used capsicum spray to arrest them.

Mr Wright had allegedly been involved in an attempt to sell stolen goods just hours before his arrest.

Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kylie Jane said Mr Wright and a co-accused allegedly stole UGL-labelled tools from a Corio house and tried to sell the tools at a Cash Converters.

Officers allege Mr Wright gave his details to Cash Converters staff, who suspected the items were stolen and contacted police.

The court also heard Mr Wright allegedly stole 12 tins of baby formula from a Lara supermarket in August and attempted to steal another 12 tins of formula days later.

In applying for bail Mr Wright said he had completed a traffic course, lined up employment and was committed to staying off drugs.

In opposing bail, Ldg SenConstable Jane said Mr Wright was a heavy drug user who committed offences to fuel his habit.

Magistrate John Lesser ordered Mr Wright be assessed for the court integrated services program, for which he was deemed suitable, and released him on bail to reappear in court on October 8.