Magistrate Barry Schultz sentenced the 46-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to 14 days in jail for the thefts at Rebel Sports in Shepparton and Chemist Warehouse in Kialla.
The man was on bail at the time of one of the two thefts from Chemist Warehouse and the three thefts from Rebel Sports.
Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Kim Thomson told the court the man stole cold sore vitamins, valued at $14.99, from Chemist Warehouse on January 11 and sunglasses worth $19.99 from the same business on January 20.
When questioned by staff abut the theft of the sunglasses he denied taking them, Leading Sen Const Thomson said.
The court was also told he stole a jacket from Rebel Sports on January 20 and another on January 22, as well as a pair of Everlast Evergel gloves on January 27.
The man’s solicitor, Daniel Posner, said his client had gone “off the rails” when his brother died a year ago.
He asked the man be given a community corrections order, however the magistrate was opposed to the idea.
Mr Schultz was particularly scathing that the second theft happened only five days after the man was put on bail.
“I am disturbed by the fact he’s on a shop theft spree,” he said.
“Within five days of his appearance (in court) he’s back at it, and he’s on bail.
“Where thefts are continuous, or the same shops are targeted, that’s an aggravating factor.
“He’s past the point of getting a corrections order.
“This (prison) will give him time to contemplate his future.”
22°C