Jason Cooper Wilkinson, 43, was sentenced in Melbourne's County Court on Thursday to a two-year community corrections order following a five-day crime spree targeting properties around Victoria, including in Shepparton, Toolamba and Girgarre East.
Wilkinson had previously pleaded guilty to 30 charges, including 15 counts of burglary, 12 counts of theft, one count of theft of a firearm, one count of attempted theft and one count of breach a term or condition of parole.
The court heard he was bailed on March 10 this year to attend the six-week Odyssey House Circuit Breaker Program in Molyullah before being transferred to the Lower Plenty Odyssey House facility.
He was later granted access to attend The Cottage in Shepparton where he has been residing ever since.
When sentencing, Judge Frank Gucciardo acknowledged the steps taken by Wilkinson to commit to his recovery and address the issues he previously faced.
“You reduced your prescription medication use significantly, submitted clean results of analysis, have become a supporter of other residents ... and used your time to reunite and reconnect with family,” he said.
“The management of The Cottage believe if you continue to follow (the program) and remain close and stay abstinent, they are confident in your ability to be a reintegrated member of the community.”
The court had previously heard Wilkinson attended a number of properties between May 29 and June 3 last year from which he stole a range of items estimated to be worth more than $100,000, including jewellery, mobile phones, tablets, a vacuum cleaner, a chainsaw, a wallet, cash and a MacBook Pro computer.
At the time of the offending Wilkinson had an electronic monitoring device permanently fixed to his ankle after being released on parole on May 22 last year.
He was arrested by police in Flora Hill on June 3 after being seen breaking into a home in the area.
Judge Gucciardo acknowledged Wilkinson's plea at a "reasonably early stage" along with the remorse he had shown, which he described as genuine and authentic.
The court heard Wilkinson had an extensive history with drugs, beginning cannabis use at age 16, before turning to stints of using ecstasy, cocaine and methylamphetamine.
“It is clear that your descent into depression, drug use and continuing physical pain and ill-health were the catalyst towards your distancing from work and family into criminality and the need to support your habit,” Judge Gucciardo said.
He commended Wilkinson's parents for the support they had offered their son, acknowledging their perseverance and continued efforts to get him into rehabilitation.
“I find that you have good prospects of rehabilitation through your own efforts and that of your family,” Judge Gucciardo said.
Wilkinson was convicted and placed on a two-year community corrections order which included treatment and rehabilitation for drugs and medical conditions.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community work.
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