By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
A SEEMINGLY homeless man who allegedly broke into several cars by throwing rocks through their windows in Dandenong last month has been refused bail.
Abdullahi Siyad, 28, had broken three bail orders granted in April, was apparently homeless and been “in and out” of hospital for schizophrenic treatment, Dandenong Magistrates’ Court heard on 2 May.
Police informant Constable Jesse O’Brien said Siyad had used a tap and go credit card he’d stolen from a car – along with about $40 in change – to buy groceries and cigarettes at a Coles supermarket in Dandenong on 1 May.
Soon after police were called to the supermarket car park due to Siyad allegedly harassing customers for money where the stolen credit card’s owner approached officers saying that his card had just been used in the supermarket.
A soaking wet Siyad made full admissions to the theft after police found the victim’s goods in his backpack, saying he had offended because he was cold and hungry.
He was on three counts of bail at the time including for another alleged theft from a vehicle on 24 April, and for pocketing $57 of credits from a pokies player’s machine at Dandenong RSL on 4 March.
At his police interview, he admitted to using a large rock to smash into a car, then ransacking the vehicle, in Dandenong on 3 April.
Siyad used the bounty to purchase drugs to self-medicate for his mental illness.
“He offends because he wants to and he has no plans to stop,” Const O’Brien said.
“I believe he’s had opportunities to engage with mental health services but he’s been unwilling or unable to engage.”
Siyad’s 18 pages of prior convictions included property crime, armed robbery, intentionally causing injury and assaulting police – and 19 counts of failing to appear on bail, the court was told.
The accused, representing himself, said he was able to stay with a couple in a flat in Stud Road.
Magistrate Jack Vandersteen said Siyad’s problem had always been not taking medication and having a place to live.
“We’d want a lot in place before letting you out of jail.”
Siyad was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 16 May.
