A PAIR of thieves who broke into a Murray Street clothing store during a November crime spree have both been hit with heavy jail terms.
Evanston Gardens man Wade James Rogerson, 34, and Elizabeth Downs man John Anthony Hickman, 25, pled guilty in the Adelaide District Court to five counts of aggravated trespassing, aggravated theft and arson charges in relation to a range of offences across November 25-28.
Rogerson also pled guilty to methylamphetamine trafficking charges, illegal use of a motorcycle, driving without a licence, resisting police, hindering police, traffic offences and breaching bail in relation to three separate incidents across 2018.
He was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison, with a non-parole period of three years and two months, while Hickman received three years and one month behind bars, with a non-parole period of 13 months.
The court heard the pair broke into a Smithfield home and stole a green Hyundai, a television and jewellery on November 25, before forcing their way into the Forever Lee clothing store in the early hours of November 28, stealing $6000 worth of stock and escaping in the stolen car.
Later that day, police were called to a car fire at Andrews Farm, where they found the getaway vehicle alight and located the two suspects.
In sentencing, Judge Jane Schammer said Rogerson, who is a father, had fallen into debt due to his methylamphetamine use, and robbed Forever Lee to help pay off those debts.
“I accept that this is not the life you wanted for you and your young family, and that you do deeply regret the impact that your poor choices have had on them,” she said.
“I also note the letter of support from your neighbour.
“It is clear that you can be a very kind and caring person despite the poor choices you have made, particularly over the last seven years, noting that prior to this offending you did serve a term of imprisonment in 2016/17 for offending which included two counts of driving dangerously to escape police pursuit, three counts of unlawful possession, and trafficking in cannabis.”
When sentencing Hickman, Judge Schammer told the court Hickman had a tough upbringing involving sexual abuse and had a history of similar offending, ruling his age and childhood did not warrant a suspended sentence or home detention.
“For offending of this nature the court must give proper effect to the need to protect the community by ensuring that paramount consideration is given to the need for both general and personal deterrence,” she said.
Both offenders were offered a 30 per cent reduction of their sentence as a result of their guilty pleas.
Forever Lee owner Mark Hastwell decided to install security shutters outside the store after last year’s break-in, to deter any more crime.
He said he was relieved the ordeal was over.
“It’s been a long process going from November all the way through to now in July to finally get it sorted,” he said.
“I’m pleased it’s all over, I’m pleased they’ve got what they deserve.
“I’m pleased nothing else has happened since, and now I’ve put these security shutters up, I’m hoping nothing will happen again.”
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