Man fined $4000 for his part in aggravated home burglary and stealing

A 25-year-old man was given a $4000 fine for his part in a home burglary that took place in Pemberton last month. Bryden Martin O’Breza, 25, faced the Manjimup Magistrates Courthouse on Thursday, being accused of stealing and aggravated home burglary relating to a theft in Pemberton on September 15 and 16. The court heard Mr O’Breza and co-accused Scott James Hawkins, who is currently seeking legal advice and will appear on October 12, entered the backyard of a property in Pemberton, which was an unoccupied holiday home, on the night of September 15, before entering a shed in the backyard, where the two stole an axe, fishing rods and a mirror. It was heard that the accused and co-accused then forced the rear door to the house open and entered to steal more items, with the property stolen being valued at a total of $600. Mr O’Breza later reported himself to police and admitted to the offences he committed. He plead guilty to both charges, with the court hearing that the incident was “absolutely out of character” and that he was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident and “wasn’t making good decisions” in his state. The court also heard that Mr O’Breza did not have any issues with drugs or excessive drinking as well, with the incident being the first offence for him. Magistrate Benjamin Tyers said that Mr O’Breza “just had youth on (his) side” and brought the possibility of imprisonment for his serious offences, but instead decided on handing down a fine of $4000, along with costs of $140.50, noting imprisonment to be a last resort.