No more jail for man arrested over 'junk offending' in Belconnen

Alexander John Baudinette, 37, leaves court after his sentencing on Friday. Photo: Albert McKnight.

A bricklayer caught with items like knuckledusters and knives at an apartment in Belconnen, which a magistrate described as “junk offending”, has been told he has spent too much time in jail.

Alexander John Baudinette, 37, spent 55 days in custody before appearing in the ACT Magistrates Court for sentencing on Friday (10 December).

Court documents show police were told two “suspicious” men had been jumping gates and entering yards at the Oracle Apartments in Belconnen on 1 August 2021.

Police entered the complex and saw Baudinette, then handcuffed and searched him. They found him with a Stanley knife, a kitchen knife, a set of brass knuckledusters, scissors, a multi-tool, screwdriver and latex gloves.

He told police he had been in the underground car park of the complex helping a friend look for a motorcycle helmet.

“The defendant stated that he carried the knives because he was walking around the flats,” police say.

He was also on a good behaviour order at the time.

Magistrate James Stewart said Baudinette had a long history of this type of behaviour but had spent long enough behind bars.

“I think he’s done too much time, but there’s no compensation for that,” he said.

“It’s just a loss of valuable time.”

Baudinette had pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon and going equipped for theft. He was sentenced to 42 days in jail, backdated as time served.

He was also sentenced to the rising of the court for a charge of possessing a knife.

“Learn the lesson, keep going with your rehabilitation,” Magistrate Stewart told him.

“Get out there and do something with yourself.”