Rockingham Magistrates Court: DNA evidence leads police to burglar

Rodney Allan Buckland appeared via videolink from Hakea prison at Rockingham Magistrates Court on April 12.

The prosecutor said Buckland lived next to the victim and knowing the neighbour was out, he jumped the fence and broke into the home by smashing a window.

He went through drawers and took an iPad, a television, a stereo and tried to get another television, but was interrupted by the victim returning home. Buckland managed to escape unseen.

However, some of his blood was on the smashed window and it identified him through DNA profiling.

Police went to Buckland’s house where they also found in a wardrobe a black backpack full of bank and credit cards and opened envelopes.

None belonged to him.

Buckland also burgled two other homes where he took a number of televisions and again gained access by smashing a window and leaving blood that later identified him.

The prosecutor said Buckland did not participate in police interviews. The duty lawyer said the facts were accepted but Buckland did not agree with some as he only took one television from each home.

He said there was ongoing substance abuse and he had a disadvantaged childhood.

He was arrested in November last year and had been in custody since then.

The lawyer said Buckland wanted to stay in prison as he was getting access to rehabilitation for his drug issues.

“He would fail if he got out,” he said.

Magistrate Susan Richardson said there were not many options other than prison.

“Knowing the neighbour was out you broke in and went through their possessions and drawers – it was a real invasion of someone’s privacy,” she said.

“It was done to feed a serious methamphetamine habit.

“You had a very tragic childhood, have been homeless and have serious drug issues.

“You have made little enquiry into help for your drug habit and to get housing.”

Buckland was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment backdated to November 11 last year..

The magistrate made Buckland eligible for parole.