Man sentenced for pound break-in and carrying knives late at night
Benjamin Clancy, 48, was sentenced to seven months for breaking into an animal pound and carrying four knives.
Benjamin James Clancy of Corowa broke into the Federation Council animal pound on June 12 and cut open two dog pens. CCTV footage captured him leaving with bolt cutters at 4.45am while one dog ran outside.
DNA evidence matched Clancy. Benjamin Clancy initially denied involvement but was arrested after being shown the footage.
Two weeks later, police found him in a liquor store car park late at night carrying four knives and a wooden truncheon, plus 0.31 grams of methamphetamine. He claimed the knives were for fixing his bike and the drug was for personal use.
Judge Sally McLaughlin rejected his request for mental health diversion, citing very serious offending. She sentenced him to seven months as an intensive corrections order served in the community, with an 8pm to 6am curfew for the first three months.
- seven months
- Prison term
- 8pm to 6am for first three months
- Curfew hours
- 0.31 grams
- Methamphetamine found
- four
- Knives carried
Why it mattersThe case shows how courts balance mental health factors against serious criminal behaviour when deciding whether offenders go to jail or diversion programs.
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