CBD assault and robbery
A HOMELESS man has been jailed for attacking and robbing another man in central Geelong on Saturday morning.
Troy Matthews was on two counts of bail when he set upon the 25-year-old victim on Moorabool St about 1.50am.
The Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday heard Matthews and an accomplice had followed the victim after walk- ing past him minutes earlier.
Matthews, 42, was jailed for four months after pleading guilty to multiple charges including robbery and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
Prosecutor Senior Constable Scott Bell said the victim was attacked from behind and forced to the ground, where he scuffled with Matthews near the National Hotel.
During the melee, Matthews stole a wallet from the victim’s jeans pocket, while an iPhone 7 was also handed over to his accomplice.
Sen-Constable Bell said a “fist fight” then ensued between the victim and Matthews’ co-accused, before the victim was chased into Little Ryrie St.
Matthews returned to the Little Malop St mall, where he used the victim’s bank card to buy an iced coffee at 7-Eleven.
He was arrested on Tuesday walking along Gheringhap St, where a search of his bumbag uncovered about 1g of methylamphetamine.
The court heard Matthews had been homeless and sleeping on the steps of Geelong Town Hall leading up to the incident.
Sen-Constable Bell said Matthews had told police during an interview that he had “thrown away” all of the items stolen during the robbery.
Matthews’ lawyer told the court his client was a father of three who had “fallen on some hard times”, grappling with drug addiction and struggling to find work.
The lawyer urged Magistrate Michael Coghlan to spare Matthews a jail term, saying he was remorseful and had entered an early guilty plea.
But Mr Coghlan said the community would expect a prison sentence for the crime committed.
“This is very serious offending,” he said.
“I think most members of the Geelong community would be aghast if the court did not consider an immediate term of imprisonment to that charge.”
Matthews will return to court next month on unrelated charges including unlawful assault, making a threat to kill and handling stolen goods.
Another man charged in connection with the robbery has been bailed and will face court in April.