A Wollongong man sporting a distinctive skullet hairstyle has narrowly avoided a jail sentence after swiping a food delivery box from a doorstep within minutes of its arrival, claiming he acted out of hunger rather than greed.
Swift Theft on Crown Street
Marcello Riveiro, 47, pleaded guilty to larceny and drug possession in Wollongong Local Court on February 4. The court heard that on November 21, a resident on Crown Street received a notification that their HelloFresh box, valued at $55, had been delivered just before 4pm. Upon returning home merely ten minutes later, they discovered the fresh produce had vanished.
Police quickly reviewed a neighbour's CCTV footage, which clearly identified Riveiro as the individual who took the box. He later confessed to the theft when questioned by authorities days after the incident.
Separate Drug Offence
In a separate matter on December 18, Riveiro was stopped by police in Wollongong and found with 0.64 grams of loose cannabis in his pocket. During the encounter, he discarded a capped needle and admitted to officers that he was a user of both ice and cannabis.
'Need, Not Greed' Defence
Riveiro's solicitor, Matthew Zappia, argued in court that the theft was "very opportunistic" and motivated by hunger. "It was for need, not greed," Mr Zappia stated, acknowledging that his client recognised the act was foolish, especially since he had been performing well under an intensive correction order (ICO) at the time.
With an extensive criminal history, Mr Zappia conceded that Riveiro was "quickly running out of options" to avoid a full-time custodial sentence. Magistrate David Williams echoed these concerns, noting that Riveiro's drug addiction had led to a pattern of "ongoing disregard for the law."
Magistrate's Remarks
Magistrate Williams emphasised that while the community does not share Riveiro's drug problems, it should not have to endure the consequences of his actions. Despite this stern rebuke, Riveiro was spared jail time.
Sentencing Outcome
Instead of imprisonment, Riveiro was sentenced to a six-month intensive correction order and fined $200. This decision highlights the court's consideration of his circumstances while imposing penalties aimed at rehabilitation and accountability.
The case underscores ongoing issues related to petty theft and drug offences in the Illawarra region, with local authorities continuing to monitor such incidents closely.
