A Geelong man with a history of serious sexual offences is back before the courts, this time accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of goods from major Australian retailers.
New Charges for a Known Offender
Robert James Crilly, 55, appeared at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face a series of fresh allegations. The charges relate to a string of alleged thefts from Coles and Bunnings Warehouse stores in the Geelong region.
Police prosecutors told the court that Crilly is accused of stealing items valued at more than $7500. The alleged offences are said to have occurred over a period of time, though specific dates were detailed in the initial proceedings. The court heard that the total value of the goods allegedly taken is significant, running into several thousand dollars.
A Troubled Legal History
This is not Crilly's first encounter with the justice system. His presence in court was noted with particular interest due to his status as a registered sex offender.
In 2018, Crilly was convicted and sentenced for a depraved sexual attack on a teenage girl in a Geelong public toilet block. For that crime, he received a six-year prison term, with a non-parole period of four years. The severity of that past offence casts a long shadow over his current legal troubles.
Following his release, Crilly is subject to ongoing reporting obligations as part of the sex offender registry, a requirement that continues for 15 years. His new charges are unrelated to his past sexual offences but add a further layer to his complex history with the law.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
During the brief hearing, Crilly's case was formally adjourned. The matter will return to the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on October 7 for a filing hearing. This next date will be a procedural step to manage the progress of the theft charges against him.
No plea was entered during Monday's appearance. The adjournment allows time for the legal process to unfold, including the potential for further evidence to be served and for Crilly to consult with his legal representation.
The case highlights the challenges of monitoring offenders with serious histories after their release from prison. While the current allegations are for property crimes, they bring a high-profile offender back into the public eye and the court system.
Local residents and business owners will be watching the outcome closely, as the community grapples with the balance between rehabilitation and accountability for repeat offenders.
