Thief faces sentencing on multiple counts

A NORLANE man, found with cash, drugs, counterfeit money and a fridge full of stolen pork, has been remanded in custody for sentencing.

Max Pelinkovic, 40, of Bellnore Drive, pleaded guilty in Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday to charges of car theft, possessing the proceeds of crime and drug possession.

Police prosecutor Glenn Abbott said that on November 30 last year, CCTV footage from the McDonald’s North Geelong store showed Pelinkovic driving into the carpark in a stolen BMW.

Sgt Abbott said that later the same day, police executed a search warrant on Pelinkovic’s home, where they found him locked in his bedroom.

“During a search of his room, police seized clothing worn by Pelinkovic in the McDonald’s CCTV footage,” he said. “They also found $10,070 cash, two sets of scales, 0.6 grams of (a) white crystal substance believed to be methamphetamine, and 15.2 grams of green vegetable matter.”

Sgt Abbott said other items located during a search of the property included a doubleedged dagger, $450 in counterfeit $50 notes and a fridge full of stolen pork.

He said CCTV footage taken at an IGA supermarket on December 22, showed Pelinkovic and another man leaving the store without paying for two bags of meat.

Tara Hartnett, for Pelinkovic, said that since 2006, her client’s life had unravelled.

Ms Hartnett said Pelinkovic had been in custody since being charged and asked the court to adjourn sentencing to join up with other matters he has listed for contest mention.

Magistrate John Lesser remanded Pelinkovic in custody for sentencing on February 18.