Rockingham court: DNA links man to scene of crime at new home site

Robert Christopher Owen, in the company of another man, was at a Danmar Homes new home site in Wellard where $2500 worth of building supplies and appliances were stolen.

The items included an ensuite sink, extraction fan, kitchen sink and stove.

Owen’s lawyer told Rockingham Court Magistrate Leanne Atkins that he only went to the site with the intention of taking some scrap. While rummaging through the skip bin out the front Owen cut himself.

The court as told it was another man who had gained access by forcing the shopper’s entry door from the garage into the house and took items.

In the process, leaking water spurted everywhere and Owen came in and tried to fix the leak.

“He accepts that then he became part of the crime as he did help carry the items out,” his lawyer said.

However, Magistrate Atkins said that did not explain why Owen’s blood was all over the benchtops and pipes underneath the kitchen sink.

Owen pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and commit and stealing when he appeared in custody in court on July 1.

In mitigation, Owen’s lawyer said: “He has been to prison previously and it was a wake-up call.”

However, Magistrate Atkins said Owen’s claims did not make sense.

“I don’t accept the submission that a previous prison term was a wake-up call,” she said.

“Since that term in 2009 he has had a number of offences.

“I am inclined to accept the explanation as in relation to the burglary but I still find it far fetched.”

A tearful Owen said he was sorry. “I’m willing to do anything,” he said.

He was sentenced to an Intensive Supervision Order for 12 months with 80 hours community service. He must complete at least 12 hours of it in any seven-day period. In addition, the prosecution had asked for reparation of $2500 for Danmar Homes.

“I’ve already warned you next time it will be a suspended imprisonment order,” Magistrate Atkins told Owen.

“Please take the order and go sort yourself out.”