'Parasite' burglar was still at it after 50 convictions

An 18-year-old burglar "lives the life of a parasite", a Supreme Court judge said.

Steven James Sabino had amassed more than 50 convictions, including 12 each for unlawful entry and for stealing, since the age of 12, Justice Steve Bailey said.

His latest offences included breaking into two Rapid Creek houses and stealing property valued at $19,500. Only $2100 worth was recovered.

There was also an unprovoked assault on a security officer when he threw his own blood and threatened the man with a screwdriver.

Sabino pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated unlawful entry, two of stealing, one of receiving stolen property and one of aggravated assault.

Justice Bailey said that on November 11 last year Sabino was at Casuarina shopping centre when he was spoken to by security staff.

He became agitated and aggressive and squeezed a large cut on his right hand to produce a blood flow.

He threw the blood, which hit the upper body of one of the security officers.

Telling the security officers they were going to die, Sabino drew a 30cm screwdriver and lunged at one officer.

The victim stepped back and the blow missed. Sabino threw more blood from his hand.

Justice Bailey declined to deal with Sabino under the Juvenile Justice Act, saying Sabino had already received that leniency.

Sabino had "refused or resisted all efforts to reform his criminal way of life, centred on obtaining drugs", the judge said.

"He lives the life of a parasite, making no contribution to society, or living on Government assistance and the proceeds of crime."

He sentenced Sabino to two years and six months' jail with a non-parole period of 18 months.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 24 August 2004
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2004 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Author: Bob Watt