Repeat home burglar from Dalyellup jailed in Bunbury court

Derek Charles Ryan, 32, appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court via video link from Hakea Prison and admitted breaking into a home in the Geraldton suburb of Spalding on October 3. 

While inside he stole coins to the value of $4000 and cut himself trying to open a metal cannister the money was stored in. DNA evidence from a blood smear at the crime scene collected by police linked him to the offence. 

Ryan told the court he was “on speed” at the time of the offence and had been a user of methamphetamine for “about eight years” – an addiction he had “never” sought professional help for. 

Magistrate Mark Millington informed Ryan that he was bound to impose a mandatory two-year minimum sentence to the repeat offender. 

Prosecuting Sergeant Brian McCormack argued Ryan’s “horrendous criminal record” that featured “a number of burglaries, armed robberies and violent crimes” warranted a larger sentence on this occasion.

When asked his opinion, Ryan told the court, “Give me three years – do what you think is best.” 

Mr Millington noted Ryan had previously served a two year sentence in 2013 for home burglaries and was “disappointed that prison had not stopped his offending”. 

Ryan was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for the home burglary and linked stealing charge and was made eligible for parole. 

He was also fined a total of $1000 for two unrelated stealing matters in Dalyellup on May 27, 2017 and $500 for a breach of violence restraining order offence in Dalyellup on November 15, 2017.