Accused jewellery burglar in custody, alleged getaway driver on bail

An accused jewellery burglar is behind bars after allegedly committing three break-ins at homes across Canberra, although his partner of 10 years and alleged getaway driver has been bailed.

Police allege 38-year-old Lee Tavake Pikula committed burglaries in Denman Prospect and Narrabundah on 20 May and 21 June, assisted by 35-year-old Cherrie Eilean Faye McGee.

“On both occasions, the occupants of the property returned to their residence to find windows shattered, and items taken – with CCTV at the properties capturing the incidents,” ACT Policing alleged.

Police officers were patrolling Wright on Tuesday (25 June) when they allegedly spotted McGee sitting in a vehicle outside a home. Soon after, Pikula was allegedly seen exiting the home and tried to flee from them.

“Once again, police observed glass to be shattered at the property, and located a small black satchel on the man containing items alleged to be stolen, and a knife with a glass breaker,” police alleged.

On Wednesday (26 June), the ACT Magistrates Court heard it was alleged that numerous items of jewellery had been stolen during the burglaries, including earrings, necklaces, rings, studs, pendants and bracelets containing gold, silver, diamond, ruby and opal.

Thousands of dollars in cash was also allegedly stolen.

Pikula briefly faced the court charged with three counts of burglary and three counts of theft, but made no application for bail and was remanded in custody.

McGee, who works as a cleaner, did apply for bail after being charged with three counts of aiding and abetting burglary and three counts of aiding and abetting theft.

Her lawyer, Jan Mark of Legal Aid, said her client was not alleged to be the ringleader and, at best, would be described as the alleged “getaway driver”.

Ms Mark argued that the prosecution case against her client did not appear to be particularly strong.

Prosecutor Louis Loizou opposed McGee’s bail application, alleging she had aided and abetted three burglaries as a getaway driver and had also confirmed no-one was home at the residences.

Magistrate Glenn Theakston said the main issue was the likelihood of reoffending, remarking it appeared she had been “caught in the act” for the third alleged burglary.

But he said that as her partner was in custody, that must reduce the likelihood of her allegedly reoffending.

McGee was granted bail on conditions. Both cases were adjourned to 18 July; no pleas were entered.