Pharmacy Daily | No jail for smash ‘n’ grab

TOMAHAWK-WIELDING bandit, Jamahl Ian Thomas Harradine, will avoid time behind bars for his part in a burglary of an Adelaide pharmacy.

The 21-year-old was handed a 28-month sentence, which was suspended on a 12-month, $500 good behaviour bond, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal trespass and theft, The Adelaide Advertiser reported.

A District Court of South Australia hearing was told that Harradine and two others had broken into a house in the early hours of 05 Aug 2021, where they stole the homeowner's wallet, a purse and their car.

An hour later he then smashed his way into a Mile End pharmacy using a tomahawk, where he and his accomplices pilfered a number of boxes of Lyrica.

At the sentencing hearing last week, Judge Paul Muscat noted that Harradine had lost his way after some significant events in his life.

"Your life fell apart," the judge said.

"You then started using drugs and mixing with some people you shouldn't have."

Judge Muscat urged the 21-year-old to embrace the opportunity to avoid spending time behind bars and prove that he has learnt from his experience of going before the court.

"You can do that by becoming a good member of your community, learning your culture and getting back into football next season, and most importantly, staying clear of drugs and not mixing with the wrong crowd," he said.

"There will be serious consequences for you should you break the law."

The court heard that Harradine had apologised to the victims of his crimes.