AUSTRALIA COMPUTERS STOLEN The Border Mail - Jail stint for teen in theft orgy

Jail stint for teen in theft orgy

AN Albury man involved in a crime spree, including breaking into business premises, homes and the theft of cars, has been jailed until July, 2009.

Judge David Freeman imposed a total sentence of four years on Michael Allan James Witt, 19, when he appeared for sentence in the District Court at Albury.

The earliest release date for Witt, who has been in custody refused bail since July, is July 14, 2009.

Witt appeared for sentence on four counts of aggravated break and enter committing a serious indictable offence in company and three counts of aggravated break and enter with intent.

A large number of other charges, including car theft, theft and entering inclosed lands, were taken into account on a schedule presented to the court.

Witt was accompanied by a juvenile when committing many of the offences.

They twice broke into the Springdale Heights Tavern and stole alcohol.

But they were caught on security cameras committing the theft and causing extensive damage on the first occasion.

Two windows were broken the second time with a large amount of alcohol taken.

Computers were stolen from a house in Wantigong Street on May 2 and a Kaitlers Road residence early the following month.

A Commodore vehicle was stolen from Springdale Heights on February 28 or early on March 1 and extensive damage caused, with all the car’s windows smashed.

Witt told police the juvenile used a wheelbrace to smash the vehicle when he was unable to start it.

A vehicle was stolen from the town of Mulwala in April and another from a business in Boronia Street, North Albury, in May.

Witt accompanied the youth to break into a business in Nowra Street, North Albury, on May 13 or 14.

They drove a vehicle through large metal gates after ransacking the premises and stealing property valued at more than $4000.

Witt, who has never held a licence, had several times driven stolen vehicles.