Adam Dean Charles avoids immediate imprisonment after stealing thousands from Cash for Containers

A man from Perth’s south has been told by a magistrate that people are “fed up” with theft in the community after stealing a safe containing $15,500 in cash and a Dell laptop said to be valued at $17,500. Adam Dean Charles, 38, appeared before Rockingham Magistrates Court on July 28, pleading guilty to one count of aggravated burglary and commit and one count of stealing. Prosecutor Sen. Const. Jessica Anderson told the court that at 12.26am on May 2, Charles and his co-accused forced entry to Cash for Containers Rockingham. Once inside, Charles and the unnamed co-offenders forced their way into the main office where they broke into a safe, stealing $15,500 in cash and a Dell laptop said to be valued at $17,500. Charles and the co-offenders fled the scene, leaving through the same door. DNA samples were obtained from the scene and Charles was arrested. No one else has been charged in relation to the matter. Magistrate Anne Longden informed him that he would likely face a term of imprisonment due to the “serious” nature of the charges. “This is serious,” shesaid. “Are you sure you don’t want to speak to the duty lawyers?” Despite Ms Longden’s advice, he insisted on proceeding with the matter after a brief adjournment to go over the pre-sentence report. After the adjournment, Charles told the court that he was prepared to go ahead with sentencing and was willing to “accept” any sentence imposed. Ms Longden questioned why he participated in the offending on the day to which he responded: “I’m an idiot; I made a poor decision and got involved with the wrong people.” He went on to say that he had struggled with drug use, however wants to change and is hoping to work through his issues. “Depending on the outcome today, I am hoping to move back in with my mum and I am hoping to get an order that will help me work through my issues,” he said. “I’ve got the tools already, I just need the support. “(In the past) my brother has been an influence and going forward I will hopefully make better decisions.” Ms Longden said that “it’s not enough to say that you will hopefully change”. “I’m a bit concerned that you haven’t done anything in the meantime,” she said. Ms Longden said that despite her concerns, he did enter an early plea of guilty and has expressed “regret” and “remorse”. “When I saw the amounts (stolen) I considered a term of imprisonment, but your positive attitude has made me reconsider,” she said. “Today I will be imposing a community based order. “The community is entirely fed up with people stealing and taking things. “You are a grown man and responsible for yourself.” He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for eight months with programs and requirements, and ordered to pay $15,500 in restitution.