A MAN of no fixed address will be deported back to New Zealand after he completes a short prison sentence for several theft matters in Mount Gambier.
Miles Morrell Rowe, 33, appeared via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for two counts of theft and two counts of giving false details.
The prosecution said Rowe attended at the Commercial Hotel bottle shop on June 27 and stole a carton of XXXX Gold beer.
When he returned to his vehicle with the carton, a staff member at the shop confronted Rowe in an attempt to stop the theft.
Police alleged that Rowe told the staff member “if you try and stop me, I’ll run you over”.
The defendant’s lawyer said Rowe admitted stealing the carton of beer, however denied threatening to run over the staff member.
Rowe absconded from South Australia and was later arrested in Victoria for unrelated matters.
He served a two month prison sentence in Victoria before returning to Mount Gambier on October 10.
The prosecution said Rowe attended at a service station in Mount Gambier and requested cigarettes from the till operator.
When the cigarettes were placed on the counter, Rowe took the packet and left without paying for them.
A short time later Rowe visited a nearby bottle shop and stole a carton of beer.
A witness confronted Rowe and retrieved the carton, which was missing one bottle.
Police were notified and Rowe was located a short time later with the bottle of beer and cigarettes.
When questioned by police, Rowe provided a false name and was arrested.
The prosecution said the defendant was identified back at the police station.
Further investigation revealed Rowe was born in New Zealand had been under the supervision of border control in relation to other offending.
It is now expected he will be deported from Australia, despite living in the country for the past 13 years.
The defendant’s lawyer said her client was intoxicated on October 10 and possibly had an underlying alcoholism issue.
She also stated Rowe wanted to be arrested so he could visit a friend who was in custody in South Australia.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said it was difficult to understand that explanation due to the fact he gave a false name when spoken to by police.
“Maybe that was a product of your disordered mind,” Magistrate Anderson said.
Rowe was sentenced to 18 days imprisonment for the theft on June 27 and a further one month and 24 days for the October 10 offending.
The total head sentence of one month and 42 days would be backdated to commence on October 10 when he was taken into custody.
“When you have completed your sentence, it is understood that you will be returned to your place of birth,” Magistrate Anderson said.
Rowe was also convicted and fined $100 for a minor matter in 2009.
He will also be required to pay a total compensation of $92.54 for the theft of beer and cigarettes.
