Bunbury man Robert David Whitbread admits crime spree, alleged co-accused Bryce Graham Heard to apply for bail

A 39-year-old Bunbury man has admitted his part in a three-day robbery spree in Perth and the South West while his 24-year-old alleged co-accused is likely to make a future bail application. Robert David Whitbread and Bryce Graham Heard both appeared in Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Thursday via videolink from Bunbury Regional Prison in relation to a series of charges stemming from incidents that allegedly took place between October 15 and 18 last year. Whitbread admitted to stealing a silver Volvo sedan in Jindalee and later setting it on fire in Butler on October 17, as well as stealing a silver Ford Focus with violence causing bodily harm to another person in Madeley. Whitbread also pleaded guilty to a range of offences that took place between October 16 and October 18 in Butler, Davenport, Roelands, South Perth, Joondalup, Alkimos and Baldivis. He admitted to trespassing on three different properties during the spree along with stealing a range of items including various quantities of cash, two number plates, mobile phones, fishing knives, sunglasses, a ring, headphones, a tomahawk, a duffel bag, a backpack, a Go Pro camera and a drone. Whitbread also pleaded guilty to further charges of stealing two cars in Baldivis and Butler respectively as well as attempting to steal a Toyota Sedan. The charges of aggravated robbery, criminal damage by fire and its related steal motor vehicle charge were committed to the District Court for a sentence mention hearing on June 22 while Whitbread’s remaining charges were adjourned to June 23. Immediately prior to Whitbread’s appearance, a bail application was flagged to be made on Mr Heard’s behalf. The court was told Mr Heard, who is yet to enter pleas to his charges, had previously provided an address to reside in while potentially on bail but police had been unable to make inquiries about the property’s suitability. Mr Heard’s matters were adjourned to March 18 for a bail application hearing. Both men were remanded in custody.