Warren Price, 32, is facing charges in relation to several break and enter offences, damaging property by fire, shoplifting and receiving property suspected of being stolen. 

“My client does apologise very sincerely,” solicitor David Barron said. 

“He has been a drug user for some time which was the main factor behind a lot of the offending and doesn’t remember a lot of the facts.” 

The court heard Price become clean of the drugs after realising his life had spiraled out of control. 

Accusations include that Price broke into Epica Jewellers on January 14 and stole 28 watches, set fire to materials outside the Good Guys electrical store and broke into a swim school.

It is also alleged he stole shorts worth $240 from the Myer department store. 

Mr Barron told the court Price had passed a vicious cycles course since arriving in custody and had persistently made attempts to enter into a rehabilitation program. 

Police prosecutor Jasmine Carr said there was a very serious set of facts including the burning of property, which could’ve burnt down a building. 

“There was a significant spike in January with break and enters so there is a strong need for deterrence in these matters,” Ms Carr said.  

“I note the accused has been assessed as a high-risk of re-offending. 

“Prison is inevitable and it should be of some length.” 

Mr Barron asked magistrate Erin Kennedy to consider a finding of special circumstances, given his client’s attempts at rehabilitation. 

“While there wasn’t a great deal of financial gain in the offending – the victim’s suffered property loss and all the effects of an invasion,” Mr Barron said. 

“He accepts that these are serious offences and his aim is to distance himself from the victims as much as possible.”

Magistrate Erin Kennedy said she needed time to carefully consider before handing down her sentence.

“I realise every delay for you is significant but I want to go through the facts carefully,” Ms Kennedy said. 

“This needs to reflect the seriousness and gravity of these offences but also takes into account your personal circumstances.” 

Price will be sentenced on Tuesday.