Shop traded in stolen products, court hears

KIM WATERS
A CORIO milk bar owner caught selling stolen groceries has learnt “a massive lesson”, a court heard this week.
Ibraham Elsekmani, 52, fronted Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday on a charge of incitement.
Police Prosecutor Senior Constable Jackie Davis said Elsekmani owned the Goldsworthy Road milk bar at the centre of a police investigation into the sale of stolen goods
Sen Const Davis said Elsekmani paid “only $20” to an operative for toothpaste, razors, anti-ageing creme and bottles of shampoo and conditioner valued at $91.23.
Elsekmani requested tins of Nescafe coffee from the Coburg operative, the court heard.
Sen Const David said he later paid another $20 for 10 Nescafe tins and $38 of Kit Kat and Snickers chocolate bars.
Elsekmani told the operative the coffee was “no good” and sent him away for more chocolates, the court heard.
On November 21 police executed a search warrant on the shop, finding 42 packets of batteries, razor cartridges and 226 DVDs.
Sen Const Davis said Elsekmani admitted to paying $40 for the batteries and cartridges about five months earlier.
He also admitted to purchasing the DVDs for $5 and selling them at the milk bar for $10.
Sen Const Davis said Elsekmani denied any involvement with the Coburg operative beyond buying the stolen goods from a man “trying to support his family”.
Lawyer Shane Balkin, for Elsekmani, said his client had learned a “massive lesson”.
Elsekmani had operated the shop for 17 years, Mr Balkin said.
Magistrate Ian Von Einem warned Elsekmani against buying more stolen goods.
He sentenced Elsekmani to three months jail, suspended for one year, and fined him $2000.
“I believe there would be fewer burglaries…if there weren’t people like him,” Mr Von Einem said.
“He was presented with an opportunity on more than one occasion …and has taken advantage of that.
“Let there be no mistake, he’ll serve three months if there are any further offences.”