A 29-year-old man who was allegedly entrusted the keys to his elderly neighbour's home while she was hospitalised with a broken hip, then stole her valuables, has been refused bail.
Paul William Wood applied for bail in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday, via video link from Hakea Prison.
He has not entered a plea to home burglary and commit and stealing.
Police prosecutor Houghton told the court she refused the application.
She said Mr Wood, a Pinjarra resident, stole $42,868 worth of items and cash from his neighbour who had asked him to enter her property on two occasions to retrieve water on June 20, 2018.
She said a galaxy tablet and $8500 cash was among stolen items.
Senior Constable Houghton said the victim's niece attended her home to retrieve her aunt's belongings for hospital, before she noticed jewellery was missing.
Senior Constable Houghton said latex gloves left in the bedroom tested positive for Mr Wood's DNA.
She said Mr Wood was carrying two large bags when he was picked up by a taxi driver from the victim's address on June 30.
Mr Wood was arrested and interviewed by police on August 27 but denied knowledge of the incident.
Senior Constable Houghton said the case against Mr Wood was strong and asked Magistrate Anne Longden to oppose bail.
Mr Wood told the court he "felt nothing but remorse for the victim" and he was taking drugs at the time.
When Magistrate Longden refused Mr Wood's bail he said, "understandable".
Mr Wood is due to reappear in the Mandurah Magistrate Court on September 13.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
