Samuel Victor Owens, 31, sentenced over burglary, stealing and trespass against Harvey businesses

A 31-year-old man who broke into a pub, bakery and a fish and chip shop because he “was really hungry”, has been sentenced to a 12-month community based order. Samuel Victor Owens appeared before Harvey Magistrates Court on November 27, pleading guilty to one charge each of aggravated burglary with intent, burglary and commit, stealing and trespassing without a lawful excuse. His defence lawyer told the court he had been dealing with homelessness prior to the incident, had been drinking alcohol and had been struggling to get medication for his conditions. Magistrate Joanne Andretich said Owens’ circumstances were a “recipe for disaster” but his the offending disrupted businesses and “they ought to be protected from that.” The prosecution told the court at 8.30pm on August 31, Owens attended the rear outdoor area of the Harvey Hotel on Harper Street and investigated the area with a phone torch before trespassing through an enclosed garage at the site. At 9.12pm on the same night, he attended the Harvey Fish and Chips premises on Uduc Road and attempted to gain access to the building through a rear security door, but was unsuccessful. Owens visited the Harper Street Bakery later in the evening at 10pm, using a brick to gain entry. He then made several trips to and from the location, stealing multiple items including cash from a donation tin, bread, first aid equipment, a bread basket and flavoured syrup with the total value of items stolen $706.30. Owens was arrested the following morning and then explained to police that “I was really hungry”. His defence lawyer also told the court that his client had stopped drinking alcohol entirely following the incident and that Owens had also found accommodation through an NDIS provider. Magistrate Andretich sentenced Owens to a 12-month community based order.