Gungahlin's alleged Christmas Day burglar accused of possessing 107 stolen items

Police have arrested a young man who is accused of committing a burglary in Gungahlin on Christmas Day 2023, as well as having 107 stolen items in his possession.

Kye Edwards, 22, cried when he faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday (10 January), then after he was granted bail, a young woman was seen running into his open arms and giving him a hug.

He is accused of breaking into a home in Gungahlin where a man was asleep with his family on 25 December 2023, then taking keys that were used to steal a car.

He is also accused of having 107 personal items, which were suspected of being stolen, at a premises in Gungahlin.

Police have previously alleged that these items, which were seized on 2 January 2024, included a Japanese ceremonial sword, a PlayStation 5, jewellery, watches, tools, designer handbags, electronic devices, including mobile phones and tablets, as well as numerous stolen identity and bank cards.

Edwards was handed charges including burglary, theft and unlawfully possessing stolen property and applied for bail, which the prosecutor opposed.

His lawyer argued it appeared there was nothing to tie her client to the alleged burglary.

When it came to the allegedly stolen items, she said he claimed he had moved out of the residence they were seized from about a month ago to live with his partner in Coombs.

The lawyer also said he had schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The prosecutor said police believe Edwards has been couch surfing and has no source of income.

She said he had also allegedly told police that if he was given 15 minutes inside a Bunnings store, then he could buy the items needed to make a homemade gun.

“I only had the knife on me in question …” Edwards said at one stage before Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker stopped him and suggested he speak to his lawyer.

The magistrate said he had been charged with serious offences, and while his lawyer thought the evidence against him had weaknesses, she thought it was a reasonable case herself.

The question was whether conditions could lessen the risks of alleged reoffending and she was satisfied strict conditions could do so.

Bail was granted on conditions that include daily reporting to police, a curfew, engaging with mental health services, living in Coombs, not entering Gungahlin and not consuming alcohol or drugs.

The matter was adjourned to 29 January. No pleas were entered.