John Chalmers, 30, appeared at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in custody, with 11 charges relating to assault, intentional criminal damage, intentional property damage, theft, drug possession and bail breaches.
Police prosecutor Anna Hanlon said Chalmers was convicted on June 25 this year and was placed on a community corrections order.
Five days later, on June 30, the accused had already failed to attend three court-ordered sessions and was now facing further charges relating to criminal damage and behaviour. He also failed to appear at Cobram Magistrates’ Court in August.
Adding to the accused’s rap sheet, on November 8, Chalmers visited Goulburn Valley Health at about 2.10 am to obtain medication for his mental health.
Once refused, the court heard Chalmers became aggressive, punching an antiseptic dispenser as he left and forcefully pulling off a boom gate in the car park.
On November 13, the accused became agitated after he was asked to leave the assisted living apartment building on McLennan St, Mooroopna.
He then proceeded to throw a rock at a passenger side window and smash the driver’s side window of a parked car.
A warrant was issued for Chalmers’ arrest on November 14, when a day later at about 8.40 am, Chalmers visited Centrelink in Shepparton demanding to be paid.
After he was refused, he left irritated, punching and breaking a window on a Maude St property.
On November 19 at about 7 am, Chalmers stole a packet of cigarettes and a flavoured milk from the Mooroopna BP on McLennan St.
Defence lawyer Daniel Posner suggested the accused be bailed and placed on a strict Court Integrated Services Program.
Mr Posner said there were three fundamental issues working against Chalmers, which included his current homelessness, his severe mental health issues and long-standing drug abuse.
“Ultimately he is a man with many demons,” Mr Posner said.
“He (Chalmers) was kicked out of home at 12 and was using drugs at 13.”
Mr Posner said he believed a corrections order would help Chalmers access mental health support services and limit his chances of reoffending.
Magistrate David Faram said he did not wish to keep Chalmers in custody, granting bail on a strict Court Integrated Services Program.
Mr Faram emphasised the importance of the accused addressing his mental health issues.
“You need to take your medications on a regular basis and until you do, things aren’t going to get better for you,” he said.
“I’m giving you a chance but that’s on the basis you do the right thing.”
Chalmers was bailed to reappear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on December 17.
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