Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Accused Qld puppy thief walks from jail
A man accused of stealing two newborn puppies from a Brisbane home has been granted bail after spending the weekend in custody.
March 11, 2019
A drug-addicted man who allegedly stole two tiny puppies in Brisbane has been released on bail after a weekend in jail amid fears he would self-harm.
Ben Alex Worgan, 23, is accused of taking two four-week-old Maltese Shitzu cross dogs from a Mitchelton home during a robbery a week ago.
A female puppy was found safe and well at a Stafford address on Friday. Her brother was located at another address.
Also recovered was a passport, bankcards, a Play Station, an Apple iPad and a bottle of whiskey, which had also been stolen.
Worgan briefly appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday.
The former soldier is charged with burglary and animal cruelty.
He was released on bail on condition he return to his hometown of Goondiwindi, report to police and comply with his doctor’s orders.
Worgan had appeared in the same court on Saturday but was remanded in custody after magistrate Anne Thacker expressed concern about where he would live.
She said she needed more information about how Worgan’s ice addiction and mental health would be managed if he were released.
His lawyer, Axel Beard, said there was “real doubt” his client actually took the pups.
He is expected to reappear in the same court on April 10.