Burglar made stab threat, court told

YOUNG children were asleep inside an East Geelong home this week when an accused burglar broke in through the front door, a court has heard.

Tyrone Claridge is accused of forcing his way into the Darling St house shortly after noon on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old appeared in custody at Geelong Magistrates’ Court yesterday facing charges of aggravated burglary and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

Prosecutor Senior Constable Kerrie Moroney said it was alleged Mr Claridge observed someone leave the house before gaining entry through the front door.

She said that once inside, Mr Claridge was quickly confronted by an occupant, who chased the accused onto the street.

That is where the Norlane man allegedly turned and told the occupant: “I’ve got a knife. I’ll f---ing stab you.”

Mr Claridge is accused of using a beer bottle to swing at the victim, before fleeing towards Campbell St, where a security camera captured a man wearing distinctive shoes.

Sen-Constable Moroney said police found Mr Claridge with matching shoes when they arrested him at his home yesterday.

She told the court Mr Claridge was already on bail at the time of the incident for charges including theft, trespass and multiple counts of burglary.

In one incident in May this year, Mr Claridge is accused of using a hammer to smash his way into the Gazman store in Geelong West, before making off with more than $1900 worth of clothing.

Mr Claridge has denied involvement in Tuesday’s break-in and told police he was in Werribee at the time.

Representing himself, Mr Claridge asked to be bailed so he could care for an ill brother.

But Magistrate Tim Walsh refused the application. Mr Claridge was remanded in custody until September 19.