Tambellup man stole to ‘fund drug rehab’

A 32-year-old Tambellup man purportedly stole more than $7500 of electronic goods to fund his own residential drug rehabilitation.

Leonard George Farmer appeared in Albany Magistrate’s Court via video link from Albany Regional Prison last Thursday, pleading guilty to 10 charges, including dangerous driving, aggravated common assault, and burglary and commit.

On July 29, Farmer broke into Radio Rentals on Cockburn Road, Albany, stealing electronic goods including mobile phones, tablets and headphones, valued at $7579.

Farmer’s defence lawyer told the court he had stolen the goods to fund his placement in a residential drug rehabilitation program with Palmerston.

The court heard that in the early hours of December 21, 2018, Farmer was driving on Cordoba way in Orana when he rammed another vehicle four times after the two parties began arguing.

He was driving with his partner who was eight months pregnant.

Farmer’s defence lawyer told the court that Farmer’s partner exited his car after the first ramming, and that Farmer was provoked by the other party, who had thrown rocks at his car earlier that night.

Farmer also pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-partner on July 3, while on a violence restraining order.

Police found Farmer hiding in the back room of the Gledhow property when they arrived.

Farmer will face court again tomorrow.