Rodney James Payne, 20, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court yesterday accused of trespassing at Sacred Heart Primary School in Pearce and taking a 1m-high cross.

He also allegedly stole a $2000 overhead projector from the Holy Family Primary School in Gowrie and a flat-screen television from McKillop Catholic College in Isabella Plains.

The court heard the offences occurred between September and November this year.

Police arrested Payne at his home on Wednesday afternoon and seized a number of goods believed to be stolen including a laptop, and a motorbike allegedly taken from a Rivett home. He was also charged with possessing cannabis and driving a car without the owner's permission.

Payne's lawyer said her client was unemployed and motivated by a sense of boredom. But Magistrate Beth Campbell denied the man bail because of his risk of reoffending. She said he lacked social awareness and did not seem to appreciate the effect his actions would have on the schools' pupils. Payne is due to reappear in court next month. Jenna Hand