The police station at Wodonga had to be closed down for two hours after a man arrested over an alleged theft claimed he had coronavirus.
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John Scott, 32, was arrested on Monday, hiding under clothes in the wardrobe of his mother's bedroom where they lived in Wodonga.
Leading Senior Constable Christopher Grimmett told Wodonga Magistrates Court this week that paramedics were called when Scott told officers he had the virus, but they later discovered it was not true.
Scott denied he ever made the claim and was held in custody until Wednesday.
The court heard a 16-year-old girl allegedly stole a package containing $360 worth of Nike branded clothing from the doorstep of a Woodland Street house, after it had been delivered by Australia Post, then handed it to Scott who concealed the package in his bag.
The exchange was witnessed by an off-duty police officer.
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"The accused has also showed disregard for COVID-19 restrictions and has targeted people who are staying home, getting parcels delivered by Australia Post," Leading Senior Constable Grimmett said.
Scott, who was on bail for other alleged thefts at the time, denied involvement in stealing the parcel.
He cried in the dock in court, as police argued he was an unacceptable risk to be released.
"The accused has a long history in relation to alcohol and other drugs," Leading Senior Constable Grimmett said.
Scott's solicitor Mario Vaccaro said the 16-year-old told police she was solely responsible for the Woodland Street theft.
"He tells me strongly he didn't do it," he said.
Magistrate Ian Watkins granted him bail, saying even if Scott was found guilty, it was unlikely he would be sentenced to time in jail.
The case was adjourned until later this month.
