When Paul Bullivant stood up in court and asked to be bailed on theft charges, he did not want to explain why he allegedly stole computers from Wangaratta High School.
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But he did want to tell the magistrate how he felt hard done by in treatment from police and his housemate.
The 50-year-old was allegedly caught red-handed stealing three laptop computers, first aid kits, drinks and food worth a total of $2000 from the school at 4am Sunday.
Senior Constable Darren Kalish told Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court that CCTV footage showed Bullivant trying to break into numerous doors before he entered one at the side of the building.
The thief was in possession of a black beanie, mask and knife.
But the break-in set off the school’s alarm and he was caught by North East Security members, who called police.
“Police allege the door was locked, but poorly secured,” Senior Constable Kalish said.
“He stated he couldn’t remember what had happened that evening.”
Bullivant did not explain the theft to police or the court, but he did say he feared his housemate, who he claimed had beaten him with a baseball bat, threatened to kill him and stood over him to intimidate.
Senior Constable Kalish said the accused had threatened to get back at his housemate with an axe.
Bullivant laughed to himself in the dock when police said he would be a safety risk to the public if released on bail.
He was also charged over his antics in the Wangaratta Police Station cells where he tore up toilet paper, blocked up the toilet with a blanket and urinated in the cell and exercise yard.
His criminal history contained 59 offences including drug dealing, burglaries and a cannabis charge, which he received a good behaviour bond for last week.
“I have no problems with anyone in this town, except for this fella,” Bullivant said.
“I do not run from my muck-ups, I’m man enough to stand up from my actions – I just want my medication.”
He said he had been prescribed morphine, valium and psychiatric drugs, but no longer used cannabis.
The antics in the cells were designed to get the attention of officers so he could have access to his medication again and contact the police chief commissioner to complain.
Magistrate Ian Watkins said Bullivant was clearly a risk of reoffending and refused to grant him bail.
The case was adjourned for two weeks.
