Pharmacy burglar awaits sentence

ALBURY man Joel Allan James Baskett was adamant during a bail application last year that police had the wrong man for breaking into a pharmacy to steal drugs.

It was suggested by his solicitor that police should overlook the same modus operandi for three such offences along with closed circuit footage showing a distinctive crucifix tattoo on the back of his neck.

That was combined with officers finding a large cache of prescription drugs at his East Albury residence when they went to arrest him.

Baskett served 14 months in jail for the first two offences and committed the third just four days after his release.

Solicitor Chris Murnane told Albury Local Court yesterday that Baskett was pleading guilty to the latest offence committed in September last year.

Magistrate Tony Murray committed Baskett, 26, for sentence in the District Court sittings starting on April 30 and ordered a pre-sentence report with no application made for bail.

Baskett was captured on closed circuit footage inside Fifields Pharmacy in Dean Street, Albury, about 2.17pm on September 14.

He left after a short time and returned when it was closed about 9.27pm wearing a grey hooded top.

Baskett used a metal rod to smash a panel in the front door and climbed through a hole.

But in the process, his hood fell back exposing his tattoo before he stole many packets of prescription drugs.

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Pharmacy burglar awaits sentence