AN ADELAIDE man who stole property from Kmart before threatening staff on Wednesday has only been living in Mount Gambier for three weeks to complete a substance rehabilitation program.
Maurice Jade Pittmann, 36, appeared via video-link in the Adelaide Magistrates Court while in police custody at the Mount Gambier Courthouse.
Charged with two counts of aggravated assault and theft, Pittmann was released on bail to continue completing the rehabilitation program in the Blue Lake city.
The prosecution said Pittmann was arrested at Mount Gambier Central on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a shoplifting incident at Kmart.
Staff spotted Pittmann stealing items just after 12.45pm.
They approached the defendant and attempted to remove him from the store, which caused him to become agitated.
Witnesses saw the man fiddling with something in his pocket and believed he was in possession of a knife.
The court heard Pittmann threatened staff by stating he would “finish them” and asking them to “come outside”.
He was escorted from the building and eventually arrested by police.
The prosecution said Pittmann arrived in Mount Gambier three weeks ago after being placed on an alcohol rehabilitation program in the city.
They argued he was a poor candidate for bail as he was already on a good behaviour bond for similar offending.
Defence counsel argued the incident was at the lower end of the scale for seriousness.
He also suggested his client deserved credit for trying to do something about his problems by participating in the rehabilitation program.
Pittmann also denied ever having possession of a knife.
The Adelaide-based Magistrate granted the defendant bail because Wednesday’s offending was towards the end of the good behaviour bond.
“I will release Mr Pittmann so he is able to complete the rehabilitation program,” the Magistrate said.
Pittmann was ordered to continue undertaking the program, obey all lawful directions of his community corrections officer and to reside where directed.
He was also required to report to the Mount Gambier Police Station once a week.
