A 26-year-old man attempting to use stolen items to consolidate a debt has been fined in Bunbury Magistrates Court.
Joseph Harley John Saylor faced court and pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled weapon, possesing stolen items, and trespassing on private property.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Greg Ward told the court Saylor was seen riding his bike through suburban areas in Carey Park around 12am on March 17.
After being spotted by police, Saylor dumped his backpack in the front yard of a Carey Park residence before running into the backyard.
He then jumped over a fence before being caught by the pursuing officers and arrested.
Police found a tomahawk axe and a pair of binoculars believed to have been stolen in the backpack.
After reading the text messages on Saylor’s phone, police found he was using the binoculars to consolidate a $50 debt.
Defence lawyer Viv Blurton told the court Saylor panicked while being approached by police.
He said the tomahawk and binoculars had been given to Saylor by a friend. However, Blurton admitted Saylor had previously been told the binoculars were stolen.
Blurton revealed Saylor was on Newstart benefits and was vying for employment after being evicted from his residence.
Sgt. Ward was concerned Saylor’s current drug offender would affect his behaviour.
He said Saylor had been given pre-sentence orders in the past and need needed control measures put in place.
Sgt. Ward was adamant Saylor showed zero sign of wanting to stop his drug habit.
Magsitrate Evan Shackleton handed down an $1800 fine. The magistrate warned Saylor he would end up in prison if he continued to take drugs.
