Ian Andrew Johnson: Man accused of stealing appliances from home building sites in Perth’s north refused bail

A man who allegedly stole a range of home appliances from building sites as part of a month-long drug-fuelled crime spree was on a suspended imprisonment order at the time of the alleged offences, a court has been told. Details regarding Ian Andrew Johnson’s suspended term were revealed as he was refused bail at Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday. The 37-year-old is accused of breaking into then stealing items from several houses under construction in Clarkson, Alkimos and Yanchep between July 30 and August 26 this year. In opposing bail, the police prosecutor told the court the accused had a history of burglary offences as well as driving without a license revealing he was also on a suspended imprisonment order when he allegedly committed these offences. He also said there was CCTV of some of the alleged offending and that stolen items were also found at his home. Mr Johnson’s duty lawyer told the court at the time of the alleged offending Mr Johnson was under the influence of drugs, adding his addiction appeared to be the catalyst. She said since his arrest he had “come down” from whatever substance he was on, was keen to take part in a drug rehabilitation program, counselling for his mental health issues and to have his matters referred to the drug court. She also said he was willing to abide by strict conditions such as urinalysis and a curfew and that his mother had offered to take him in and provide a surety. But the magistrate refused to grant bail citing that he was subject to a suspended imprisonment order for similar offences and that he did not think he could impose conditions to prevent him from reoffending. Mr Johnson is expected to appear in court again in October.