Geraldton courtroom twist: DNA on water bottle ‘doesn’t prove I’m the burglar’

A Geraldton man has denied allegations he broke into a stranger’s Beresford home and stole $13,000 worth of jewellery — despite the discovery of his DNA on a water bottle inside the property. Zeb Henry Sharp, 26, appeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court by video link from Greenough Regional Prison on April 20 charged with home burglary and commit and stealing. Police allege sometime between August 13 and 15, Mr Sharp broke into a Trigg Street home while the occupant was away in Perth. It is alleged he forced open a rear door and ransacked the house, making off with an $8000 gold engagement ring, $2400 pearl necklace, $1600 pearl bracelet, samurai sword, and the keys to a BMW, among other items. Prosecuting Sergeant Carey Owen said some of the items belonged to the victim’s late husband and were of “significant sentimental value”. He said that while inside, Sharp removed a water bottle from the fridge and left it near a TV cabinet. Defence lawyer Amy Bowlay said Mr Sharp conceded his DNA was on the bottle, but disputed the prosecution’s explanation of how the bottle came to be in the house. He pleaded not guilty to both offences at an earlier appearance. Magistrate Chris Miocevich remanded him in custody to stand trial on September 1.