Jason Ephraim Ezekiel, a 45-year-old man, has been ordered to pay back more than $950 after stealing medication from the Kalgoorlie Veterinary Clinic. The incident occurred on March 1 when the clinic was closed and unstaffed.
Break-In Details
Prosecuting Sgt Ian Southall told the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court that Ezekiel approached the clinic at 6.30am, leaned a chair against a window, and broke the glass with a rock. Once inside, he forced open multiple cabinets and stole drugs valued at $955.30.
Ezekiel was later arrested and told police, “I am innocent.” In the following week, he was found with less than 1g of cannabis.
Court Proceedings
Ezekiel, who represented himself, told the court he had a seizure on the morning of the offence and had no memory of it. He described his actions as a “severe, grave mistake.”
Magistrate William Yoo ordered Ezekiel to undergo a six-month community-based order and pay $955.30 in reparations to the vet. “Regional businesses can’t afford that kind of loss,” Yoo said. He also imposed a $100 fine, suspended for 14 days.
Impact on Regional Businesses
The case highlights the vulnerability of small regional businesses to theft. The court’s decision to mandate full restitution aims to deter similar offences and support local enterprises.
