An Ashmont man has had his bail application knocked back after police charged him with seven offences while he was already going through the courts for five others.
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Jordan Price, 19, fronted Wagga Local Court from a holding cell on Wednesday accused of three break and enters, stealing six firearms, attempting to steal a car, and having goods suspected of being stolen on his premises.
Police allege he broke into homes in Moorong, Ashmont, and Mount Austin, which is said to be where the six firearms were stolen.
Mr Price was arrested on Tuesday and refused bail by police, leaving it up to him to lodge a release application with Wagga Local Court.
On Wednesday, Mr Price’s lawyer made a case for his release from custody, arguing he would be vulnerable in custody due to his age and would likely be in custody for some time awaiting a hearing date.
“I live with my pop and help my pop and he’s sick,” Mr Price said via video-link.
“If I go to jail, he’s probably going to die – that’s the truth, your honour.”
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rowen Harris it was unlikely the time he would spent remanded in custody would outlast any potential sentence, should he be convicted.
“I’ve just done a very quick calculation – there’s somewhere in the vicinity of 110 years’ maximum penalty for these offences,” Sergeant Harris said.
“Obviously, that’s not going to be the penalty… but a custodial penalty is inevitable.”
Magistrate Christopher Halburd ultimately denied Mr Price’s request for release, saying the Crown case against him was “very strong” and any delays in the lead up to his future court hearings would be “in proportion” to the seriousness of the offences alleged against him.
“There is CCTV footage of what is said to be the defendant – said to be recognised by police – inside the premises,” Mr Halburd said.
“Not only that, but when police attended the premises where the defendant was living the next day, they located some clothing which was worn in the offence shown on the CCTV.”
Police said they also sighted the same pair of shoes and mobile phone with a “distinct shown on the CCTV footage during their later search.
Mr Price will remain bail refused until he returns to court on October 17 to enter his pleas to the seven fresh charges.
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