A CRIMINAL who fled Beechworth jail left the prison in search of contraband and became lost before deciding to break in to several business in the town.
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Luke James Ilmer said he had been intimidated by other inmates, who ordered him to pick up the tobacco stash about two kilometres from the facility on Wednesday.
After failing to find the dumped item, the 33-year-old realised he had missed the 6.30pm headcount and decided to remain a free man, figuring he would have already been reported missing anyway.
Magistrate John Murphy seemed incredulous in the Wodonga Magistrates Court on Thursday as Ilmer’s situation was documented.
He would have likely been in custody until March for committing a burglary on a shipping container.
Given the escape and further break-ins, his actions could lead to him serving an additional year in a higher security jail.
“You’ve got to be a mug,” Mr Murphy told Ilmer, still wearing his prison greens.
“You’ve got limited priors.”
Lawyer Mario Vaccaro said his client had never intended to escape, but “he knew if he went back he’d be in trouble”.
The 33-year-old had planned to catch a bus to see his ex-partner in Wantirna but had no money.
He first targeted the Beechworth Bowls Club, taking tools from a rear shed and stealing a cash register and money from a charity tin.
Ilmer dropped the stash in High Street about 11pm when he saw two prison officers and fled.
He next targeted the Beechworth Food Co-Op about 11.30pm, by smashing a lock box and stealing apple juice, licorice and a safe.
He smashed the safe, which had $600, a laptop and two tablets, and stored the items at the Masonic hall.
He was seen buying cigarettes at IGA by members of the public and was arrested about 11.45am on Wednesday.
Mr Vaccaro said his client, who has gotten into trouble through ice use, would now struggle to get parole.
Mr Murphy extended his minimum jail term from six to 10 months, and his maximum term from 12 to 18 months.