A baby formula and vitamins thief will almost certainly be deported to India to face his "angered" father after spending at least the next year in an Australian prison.
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Navjinder Singh, 24, admitted breaking into three Melbourne warehouses with two co-accused in June and August 2018 to steal formula and vitamins worth $170,000.
He also confessed to stealing two vehicles, including one belonging to an employer, in the two months prior.
County Court of Victoria judge Michael Cahill sentenced Singh on Thursday to 18 months' prison with a non-parole period of 12 months.
The length of the stint means the Indian national, who came to Australia in 2014 on a student visa, is unlikely to remain in the country once free.
"You will almost inevitably be removed from Australia when you have completed your prison sentence," Judge Cahill told the court.
Singh came to Australia to study but fell into a life of crime after being kicked out of his uncle's home following an argument.
He was introduced to heroin while staying with a friend and committed the burglaries to fund his habit, with Judge Cahill noting "... you used it every day when you had the money".
Singh was arrested after police spotted a truck reported stolen from his workplace and involved in the third warehouse burglary in his driveway.
Officers followed and apprehended him and one of his co-accused, finding most of the $90,000 worth of baby formula and vitamins in the vehicle.
Singh told them he agreed to load the truck for money but also gave some "evasive answers".
Granted bail over the burglaries, he then fled Victoria and was re-arrested in NSW.
He has received no visits in prison since but has spoken by phone with his family in India and friends in NSW.
His father, however, isn't pleased.
"Most of your parental contact is with your father. Your father is angered by the shame and embarrassment that your offending has caused to your family and you," Judge Cahill said.
Co-accused Herdeep Singh has already been sentenced for eight thefts totalling $170,000 and Gurwinder Gill has admitted 19 offences valued at more than $500,000.
Judge Cahill said he had listened to arguments from Singh's lawyer that his sentence should be tempered because of his guilty plea and degree of co-operation with police.
He also took into account his favourable rehabilitation prospects, lack of a criminal record and likely deportation.
Australian Associated Press
