Geraldton man granted bail after pleading not guilty to armed home burglary

A Geraldton man is set to stand trial after denying he robbed a Beachlands home while armed with a knife earlier this year. Matthew James Wesley Gordon-Pluis on Thursday appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court, where he pleaded not guilty to one count each of aggravated burglary and commit, and aggravated armed robbery. It is alleged cigarettes, cash and medication were among the items stolen from the home on February 5, with police also finding a “sharp knife” in nearby bushland. The court was told Mr Gordon-Pluis was on a suspended sentence at the time of the alleged offending, and also had a “significant” criminal record in New South Wales. There is also an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Queensland dating back to 2013, but Magistrate Angus Hockton said the charge for which he is wanted was “obviously not sufficient enough” to justify he be extradited. Defence counsel George Giudice told the court Mr Gordon-Pluis claims he attended the address to confront a man whom he believed had been selling drugs to his 15-year-old stepson. Mr Giudice said the 29-year-old claimed he got angry and smashed a mirror while he was in the house, but denies he had any involvement with the alleged robbery and home burglary. He requested Mr Gordon-Pluis be granted bail to allow him to go back to work and help care for his stepson. The application was approved, and he was admitted to bail on a $5000 personal undertaking and a $5000 surety. He is also banned from leaving WA. He will appear in court again on August 4.