Jail for heroin addict who stole church equipment worth $39,000

Alex de Vos
A heroin addict who stole $39,000 worth of electrical equipment from a Geelong church has been sent to jail.
Belmont’s Stafford McLaren, 31, appeared in Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with burglary.
Police prosecutor Aaron Riches told the court that between February and March McLaren broke into the Barrabool Baptist Church and stole a television, a video player and audio and musical equipment.
Senior Constable Riches said McLaren sold some of the items to a Werribee and Footscary Cash Converters and the television to his parents.
Snr Const Riches said McLaren made “full admissions, had a good demeanor and cooperated with authorities” during a police interview.
Lawyer Shane Balkin told the court McLaren pleaded guilty and had shown remorse.
“Some of property has been recovered through his own efforts, he’s been clean for two years and suffers bipolar disorder,” Mr Balkin said.
Magistrate Michael Coghlan found McLaren guilty and sentenced him to three months in prison.
“This is a significant burglary which is worth six months in jail but I’ve taken into account that you made full admissions and took steps to help recover the stolen items,” Mr Coghlan said.