Darwin magistrate's court has heard that a young man who broke into Darwin Golf Club and stole 6 bottles of wine in January with a friend, has had a clean criminal record, "despite growing up" in remote NT community Port Keats.
His lawyer called it: "An achievement in itself".
He also told the court the defendant was "embarrassed" and found his offending "silly" and "stupid".
The man attracted additional charges after breaching his bail, for not attending court, spending 18 days on remand.
The man's lawyer shared: "He wasn't hiding. He was found at his parent's house. He didn't know when to come."
Russell Harris sat in court with a worker and wearing an ankle bracelet, pleading guilty on all counts including Theft, Damage To Property, Aggravated Burglary - Building, Breach Of Bail Adult, Driving Using/Riding M/V W/Out Consent, Drive Without L Plates When Required, Learner Driver - No Person In Front Seat.
His lawyer told the court Harris was living at a hostel in Darwin and had $300 a fortnight after accommodation costs were taken out, but wanted to return to Daly River where he could get employment through his aunt in landscaping and lawn mowing.
His lawyer further shared Harris wanted to do community work to "give back" and "make right".
The prosecutor acknowledged: "While one person does a little more than the other [Harris' accomplice] when offending is done in company, they feed off one another."
Prosecution didn't object to Harris returning to Daly River to stay with family.
The judge took into consideration the 19yo's prospects for rehabilitation, while convicting him on all counts.
He was given a suspended sentence.
The judge highlighted courts were "whistling in the wind" and it was "not realistic" for Harris to pay compensation in the current circumstances.
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