Ashley Hurd, 31, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of Bundaberg rum, a bottle of Jack Daniels and a bottle of Johnny Walker on three separate occasions between September 27 and October 6 at Shepparton's First Choice Liquor and Liquorland.
The Shepparton Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday on each occasion Hurd concealed the alcohol in his clothing before leaving the store without making any attempts to pay.
Hurd, who was captured on CCTV footage, was on bail at the time after he was found with .24 grams of methamphetamine in his possession.
The court was told police intercepted a black Holden commodore along Corio St in Shepparton at 1.50 am on September 4, in which the accused was a front seat passenger.
“Police could smell an odour of cannabis coming from the vehicle ... they formed the opinion drugs were likely in the vehicle,” Police prosecutor Senior Constable Caitlin McLeod said.
The court was told that while Hurd was being searched by police a small zip-lock bag containing what was believed to be methamphetamine fell from the leg of his pants.
Hurd was taken to the Shepparton police station where he was interviewed, charged and bailed.
The court was told Hurd was sentenced to 43 days’ imprisonment, which was recognised as time served, on August 10 for similar offending.
Hurd's lawyer, Emma Gray, said her client suffered from long-term homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse issues which had gone "largely untreated".
Ms Gray said Hurd was trying on his own to stay clean from drugs, with his usage now reduced to once a week.
“Hurd recognises he is at a time in his life where he needs intensive rehabilitation for drug and alcohol issues,” she said.
“He is viewing this sentence as a period of forced detox and motivation to enter rehab upon release.”
Ms Gray acknowledged the offending was concerning in terms of frequency and recklessness, telling the court her client accepted responsibility for his actions.
Magistrate Peter Mithen warned Hurd if he continued offending he would continue to receive custodial sentences.
“If alcohol is an issue there is plenty of agencies that can help you,” Mr Mithen said.
“Stealing alcohol and medicating yourself is not going to work.”
Hurd was sentenced to 21 days’ imprisonment, with one day recognised as time served.
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