Vic tradesman jailed for bashing thief

Vic ice addict jailed for bashing thief

An apprentice plumber and a misguided passerby have been jailed for chasing and bashing a thief.

Jesse Farrugia spoke to 7News last July, just minutes after apprehending the thief who had stolen tools from the back of his ute at Caroline Springs.

Bystander Bill Kounelis saw Farrugia pursuing the man, and joined in.

Farrugia belted the man with a shovel, while Kounelis repeatedly punched him, resulting in a fractured eye socket.

Judge John Smallwood said Farrugia had used ice the night before, perhaps fueling his aggression.

"The drug ice is probably the most threatening drug that this state has ever faced," Judge Smallwood told the court.

"That's the reality of this drug. It makes people psychotic," he said.

He was also previously charged with leading police on a pursuit while high on ice.

The judge said that while chasing the thief was understandable, beating him with a shovel was gratuitous and inexcusable.

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Vic tradesman jailed for bashing thief