Two people who forced their way into a neighbour's home in an attempt to steal cash and drugs have each received 12-month supervision orders.
Linda Roslyn Cockie and George Anthony Turvey attended Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday, September 13, both charged with committing aggravated burglary and stealing.
After the pair pleaded guilty to the charges, police prosecutor Sergeant Greg Ward revealed details of the incident to the court.
Cockie and Turvey broke into a neighbour’s house on March 18, between 8am and 12.20pm.
The pair removed a glass panel before unlocking the rear door to the premises.
They then took $50 and left the area.
Their fingerprints were identified by police, leading to partial admissions from the pair.
Sgt. Ward said fines were needed to reflect the seriousness of their actions and to deter other community members from making the same mistakes.
Cockie and Turvey’s lawyer revealed the pair had faced drug issues.
Cockie’s last conviction was in 2007, while Turvey had not been to court since 2014.
The lawyer also revealed the pair had purchased drugs from the owner of the property twice before.
Magistrate Brian Mahon took their early guilty pleas and personal situations into consideration, but stressed the seriousness of entering someone’s home and stealing their belongings/money.
He added that many magistrates would have given them an immediate term of imprisonment or a suspended sentence for their actions.
Mr Mahon warned them that immediate terms would be handed down if they were to commit similar offences again.
Cockie and Turvey will have to undergo 12-month supervision orders featuring urinalysis testing, drug and alcohol counselling, and 120 hours of community service.
Read more:
