Elisha Andres | 14 May 2023

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A North-Wonthaggi man charged with aggravated home invasion, burglary and theft

was denied bail on Thursday 4 May at the Victorian County Court.

 

The Prosecution strongly opposed granting bail to the accused, Bill Tzitzaris, due to his

30-year long history of “serious brazen offending”.

 

These charges include his 2021 offences against Grantville complainant.

On 26 March 2021, Tzitzaris invaded the victim’s home with co-offenders, assaulted him

and stole $33,000 cash.

 

The accused invaded the victim’s home again in July 2021 and stole $2,200 cash.

Tzitzaris was arrested last year but applied for bail last week. The Defence Counsel

proposed the accused receive bail and enrol in residential rehab program at Odyssey

House.

 

But the Prosecution strongly opposed granting him bail. They expect Tzitzaris will

reoffend if released.

 

The Prosecution revealed his 11 prior offences including four occasions of contravening

bail orders.

 

Tzitzaris’ “34-page criminal history” poses the risk of re-offending, the Prosecution said.

“It’s not particularly comforting to think he will be at Odyssey House,” the Prosecution

said.

 

The Prosecution called on case informant, Detective Senior Constable Burrows who

seriously doubted Tzitzaris’ chances of successful rehab.

 

“His history of breaching shows he may be unable to stick to the voluntary program at

Odyssey House” DSC Burrows said.

 

The victim said he is “nervous” Tzitzaris will be released from custody, according to

Burrows.

 

Tzitzaris’ history shows his inability to obey court orders. Those in court on Thursday

believed he is likely to reoffend if bailed.

 

The Judge said bailing the accused poses an “unacceptable risk” of “endangering the

welfare and safety of the public”.

 

The Prosecution and Her Honour were doubtful of his successful rehab since Tzitzaris

has had “many opportunities to address his drug addiction in the past”.

 

The Defence Counsel argued Tzitzaris could be “drug-screened regularly and have

results checked by police”. But the Defence couldn’t prove the existence of this practice

at Odyssey House.

 

According to Odyssey House’s website, staff don’t conduct regular supervised drug-

testing.

 

The Defence said Tzitzaris has “cognitive limitations” according to his neuropsychiatric

report.

 

These aren’t “disabling, but affective” on the Accused’s behaviour, Chisolm said.

“I am imploring to address the cause,” Chisolm said.

 

“If there is a way to deal with [Tzitzaris’ behaviour], it’s through rehabilitation,” he said.

But no report or evidence was supplied to confirm Tzitzaris’ need for rehab.

 

His “need” for rehab was greatly outweighed by the safety risk he poses to society.

Tzitzaris was refused bail and will have to wait until trial on May 22 at Victorian County

Court.

 

If you are struggling with substance abuse or know someone who needs assistance,

don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

24/7 Alcohol and Drug Support Line

1800 198 024

https://alcoholthinkagain.com.au/help/

National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline

1800 250 015