Mum’s on the phone

Police say burglary accused left mobile at scene and ...

AN Armstrong Creek man allegedly left his muddy shoes, trousers and mobile phone at a home in a burglary spree in Leopold on Tuesday.

While Kayne Vuknic denied robbing the homes, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday the case against him strengthened when police found the phone, it rang and his mother was on the end of the line.

Senior Constable Jessica Johnston also said the mud-covered shoes found at one burgled home were those Mr Vuknic, 20, was earlier seen wearing, and matched footprints he allegedly left trying to break into a different home.

The court was told the items were left at a burgled home in Paraffin Drive, only a few doors from the home of his female co-offender.

The pair also allegedly committed crimes at homes in nearby Masimo Rd and Sandridge St the same morning.

Electrical goods and clothes were taken from the first property, while a woman was home at the latter, and police say she saw the accused man trying to enter her home by kicking in the garage door.

Police were called, and the alleged offenders were located in Paraffin Drive.

However, the court heard Mr Vuknic tried to flee from the officers by jumping fences in the neighbourhood, and was eventually tackled to the ground.

Already on bail for theft, property and drugs matters, he had new charges laid against him, including counts of burglary, theft, attempted aggravated burglary and breaching bail.

The court was told his co-offender, who was not on bail, was charged and released to face court at a later date.

Mr Vuknic conducted his own bail application yesterday, admitting to a drug habit, but telling the court he had been abiding by the curfew and reporting conditions of his bail.

However, Magistrate Frank Jones heard the applicant’s mother was unable to supervise him.

“Without any drug rehab arranged for him I think the best thing is he be kept in jail,” Mr Jones said.

He noted Mr Vuknic might be able to lodge a fresh bail application, with legal representation, when he returned to court tomorrow.