James, 21, was sentenced at Cowra Local Court last Wednesday, for charges of break and enter, remain in a building with intent to commit indictable offence, stalk/intimidate and two charges of destroy property.

The court heard James was in a three-day drinking binge when the events took place, and “doesn’t remember” a lot.

Police facts reveal that James was seen attempting to gain entry at the front door of a Watt Steet residence about 3.40am on January 4.

Minutes later he broke into an outside laundry of a different home on Watt Street about 3.45am.

A resident yelled at the accused, then called police before witnessing James kick the garage door a number of times which was locked.

Statements tendered at court say James then walked from Watt Street to his home on Wollowra Street where he broke part of a bedroom window, a garden ornament and upturned a number of items in the kitchen in an alcohol-fueled rage.

Family members became worried and told James to leave the premises, police facts say.

Police returned to duty about 3.50am after receiving a number of calls, and spoke to the residents of the homes on Watt Street who gave a description of a man, who had no shirt on and was wearing dark pants.

Police located James at the back of his home.

After some negotiations he walked towards police and was arrested.

He had no shirt on and was wearing black jeans.   

At court, Aboriginal Legal Service solicitor Nidal Abdi said his client has “come to the realisation he needs help,” and asked for the sentence to be backdated to January 4 – when James was put in custody.

Magistrate Peter Dare said there was “no alternatives other than full-time imprisonment,” but agreed with Mr Abdi that James spending more than four months behind bars was “enough time in there”. 

James will be eligible for release on July 2.