A man has been found guilty of stealing $125,000 from a hotel in Newcastle, with a court hearing the details of the brazen heist.
Marley Tiopira John Jerrett, 27, appeared in the Newcastle District Court on Friday, where a jury found him guilty of breaking into the hotel and stealing the cash.
The court heard that Jerrett entered the hotel through a window in the early hours of the morning on 24 March 2021. He then made his way to the manager's office, where he forced open a safe and stole $125,000 in cash.
The theft was discovered later that morning when hotel staff arrived for work. Police launched an investigation and arrested Jerrett a short time later.
During the trial, the prosecution presented CCTV footage showing Jerrett entering the hotel and leaving with a bag. The court also heard evidence from forensic experts who matched Jerrett's DNA to a cigarette butt found at the scene.
Jerrett had pleaded not guilty, claiming he was not the person seen on the CCTV footage. However, the jury rejected his defence and found him guilty after a brief deliberation.
Judge John North said the offence was serious and that Jerrett had shown no remorse. He adjourned the case for sentencing, which is expected to take place in March.
Jerrett was remanded in custody pending the sentencing hearing.
