William John Brooham: Geraldton landscaper faces court accused of $26k jewellery theft from Woorree home

A Geraldton landscaper accused of stealing more than $25,000 worth of jewellery from a client’s home has faced court after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear. William John Broomham, 57, was employed as a landscaper at a Woorree property when he allegedly accessed the home multiple times between February 7 and 28, stealing jewellery items valued at $25,595. After a police investigation, items believed to be linked to the theft were recovered during a search of a Wonthella property on April 8. Mr Broomham was subsequently charged with home burglary, two counts of stealing, and two counts of gains benefit by fraud. He was originally due to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on July 14 but failed to attend, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant. Mr Broomham appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court from custody on Wednesday, where he told magistrate Kelly Thompson he believed his previous appearance was on July 25 due to reading and writing difficulties. The court was told Mr Broomham intends to plead guilty to the charges, but further legal advice was being sought. Ms Thompson accepted Mr Broomham’s explanation for missing court and granted bail with conditions, including not to approach or contact the complainants and not to return to the Woorree property. The matter was adjourned to August 11.