The victim was just one of many individuals left inconvenienced after a one-month crime spree which targeted countless Wagga businesses. 

Those victim’s can now breathe a small sigh of relief after the Kooringal man responsible for 11 offences –  including several break and enters and damage by fire  – was put behind bars for two years and 10 months. 

Magistrate Erin Kennedy shined a spotlight on victim’s of crime in Wagga Local Court on Tuesday, reminding Price of the reprehensible ashes of physical and emotional damage he left behind. 

“In a small place like Wagga these businesses depend on getting by day-by-day, even fixing a window sets them back,” Ms Kennedy said. 

“These are good hard working people and these offences must have been disruptive and distressing for them.” 

Magistrate Kennedy said the most serious offence was the damage of three cars by fire at Kooringal’s The Engine Doctor. 

According to facts tendered to the court, this offence was committed around 15 minutes after a break and enter and steal into Rodway Motors and just prior to the same offence at Wagga Swim School. 

“One victim was clearly struggling and was trying to do the right thing – this was a pointless offence,” Ms Kennedy said. 

The facts stated, “due to being unable to work without his car, the victim couldn’t pay the repair bill. The victim was working toward putting the car back on the road and returning to employment to improve his life.” 

Price’s convictions included setting fire to materials outside Good Guys electrical store in 33 degree heat during a bush-fire danger period. 

The 32-year-old stole shorts worth $240 from Myer and broke into a swim school, all during January this year. 

Other victim’s include a Gregory Crescent shop where 20 packets of cigarettes were stolen and Turvey Park’s Caltex Service Station who also suffered property loss. 

Ms Kennedy gave Price a small finding of special circumstances, given his willingness to rehabilitate and his early guilty plea. 

Price will serve the aggregate sentence with a non-parole period of 22 months. He will be eligible for release on November 23, 2018. 

Read the sentencing submissions here.