Son becomes father’s ‘jailer’ in Geraldton burglary case

A Geraldton man has become his father’s “jailer”, after the 49-year-old — who is accused of multiple burglaries — was placed under home detention. Justin Cameron Blair Smith has pleaded not guilty to four burglaries, one home burglary and eight counts of stealing. The offences are alleged to have happened in Meru, Narngulu, Tarcoola Beach, Utakarra and Wandina between January 25 and June 26 last year. Mr Smith appeared in Geraldton Magistrate’s Court by video link from Greenough Regional Prison on April 9 for a bail application. When asked how long he had spent in custody, he replied: “about 300 days”. Mr Smith’s son, who sat in the back of the court, said he was willing to go surety for his father and let him stay in a granny flat at his Rangeway home. Magistrate Chris Miocevich granted bail but with a 24-hour curfew in place. Mr Smith will only be allowed to leave the house while in company with his son or when appearing in court. “You’re his jailer,” Mr Miocevich told Mr Smith’s son. “If you go there (home) and he’s not there, you then need to report it straight away to police ... it’s actually for his own good.” Mr Miocevich warned Mr Smith if he breached his bail, he would likely be remanded in custody and remain there for up to a year before standing trial. Mr Smith’s bail was set at $1000 with a nominal $1 surety. He is due to reappear on July 1.