The Northern Rivers man, who had 11 previous court appearances, targeted the same West Ballina home four times across two nights after taking a motorcycle while drunk.
James Lee Irwin, 29, of Ballina ,was described by police in court documents as a “prolific property offender” who appeared undeterred from stealing and breaking into homes.
The documents state his previous court matters since 2018 involved vehicles, prohibited drugs, property damage, intimidation and breaches of apprehended violence orders and bail conditions.
The unemployed man appeared for sentencing by video link from custody before Acting Judge Sinclair at Ballina Local Court on Thursday.
Irwin had pleaded guilty to five charges across two matters: two counts of breaking into a home and stealing, two counts of taking and driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and possessing goods suspected of being stolen.
Motorcycle owner tracked down Irwin
The first offence occurred on July 28, when Irwin took a black Yamaha motorcycle that had been left outside a Ballina home with its keys in the ignition.
After discovering it missing the following morning, the owner reported the motorcycle to police and posted about it in the Ballina Crime Reports Facebook group.
Irwin then contacted the owner through Facebook Messenger and admitted he had the motorcycle, but ended the conversation when asked where it was.
Information from another group member led the owner to a West Ballina home, where he found Irwin standing beside the motorcycle in the backyard.
According to the police facts, Irwin admitted taking the motorcycle while drunk and said he had considered selling it.
Police issued Irwin with a court attendance notice over the motorcycle offence, requiring him to appear in court at a later date.
Same West Ballina home targeted four times
Several weeks later, Irwin targeted a riverside home in West Ballina while its resident was asleep.
Police facts tendered to the court state Irwin jumped a fence about 11.30pm on August 22 and entered the property after dislodging three panels from a window.
He took a wallet containing $500 and a dark green e-bike before leaving.
Irwin returned about 2.17am and took a second e-bike and chargers.
He entered for a third time about 4.01am, found the keys to the resident’s grey Kia Sportage and drove away in the vehicle.
Before leaving, Irwin left a note telling the resident “he would return the following day”.
The resident discovered the break-ins and thefts after waking about 5.30am.
Irwin returned the Kia later that day and drove it into the resident’s garage. He apologised and said the other stolen property would also be brought back.
Despite that promise, he returned to the home for a fourth time about 2.30am the following night.
Police said he ransacked the property and took a Bose speaker valued at $400, a kitchen knife set worth about $2000 and other items.
Irwin then escaped from the property in the resident’s canoe, travelling along the Richmond River.
Arrested six days later
Ballina police confirmed to The Coast Report that officers were actively looking for Irwin and urged people to report his location.
Irwin’s crime spree came to an end when he was arrested on August 30 after Ballina police spotted him riding a grey e-bike without a helmet along Kingsford Smith Drive.
Tools and hardware suspected of being stolen, including a handsaw and blowtorch, were also found in his possession.
Irwin was refused bail and remained in custody until sentencing.
Individual jail terms total 40 months
Although police facts describe Irwin entering the property four times across two nights, he pleaded guilty to two break-and-enter offences.
Acting Judge Sinclair imposed two 12-month sentences for the break-ins, two six-month sentences for the vehicle offences and four months for possessing goods suspected of being stolen.
The five terms total 40 months, but all commenced on August 30 and are being served concurrently—meaning at the same time.
This leaves Irwin with an overall sentence of 12 months.
He received a six-month non-parole period and is due to be released to supervised parole on February 28, 2027.
His full sentence expires on August 29, 2027.
Earlier coverage: James Lee Irwin arrested and refused bail and Ballina thief pleads guilty to four charges.
Main image: James Lee Irwin / Facebook