A man "yet to learn" from his past offending has been given more time behind bars after he led police on a short foot chase before they found knives and tools intended to burgle on him.
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Cam Massey, 33, fronted the ACT Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to possessing knives, possessing items intended for burglary and resisting police officers.
Police documents tendered state about 12.50pm on August 1 this year, someone saw the two men trying to open apartment and car doors at the Oracle apartment complex in Belconnen.
A short time later, the men saw police arriving and immediately ran, triggering a foot chase for about 100m.
Mr Massey then tried to get away in a Toyota Corolla but police were able to stop him.
Police threatened to use capsicum spray after Mr Massey resisted their attempt to restrain him.
When police were able to drag him out of the car and arrest him, they searched him and found two knives, about 18cm and 21cm in length, in his possession.
They also searched a bag and found numerous items, including pliers, wire cutters, a flash light, tape, a screwdriver and gloves.
When police asked him why he allegedly possessed the items, he said: "No comment".
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The court heard Massey had a "lengthy criminal history" with 36 convictions for dishonesty offences and knife possessions, as well as a number of full-time custodial sentences.
In his sentencing remarks, magistrate Glenn Theakston said Massey was going to continue such sentences or he should try to reduce his drug use that contributed to his offending.
"It's clear the history does not assist the defendant," Mr Theakston said.
"In this case, rehabilitation needs to feature very highly."
Earlier in the hearing, Massey's defence lawyer said there was "some hope" for his rehabilitation because he now had motivation after his partner gave birth and because his mother was suffering from health issues.
The prosecutor said the offender had a propensity to carry weapons and was "yet to learn" from previous sentences.
She said his "long history of like offences" was relevant to sentencing.
He was sentenced to 2-3 months concurrent jail terms for the latest offences, adding to the jail term for previous offending.
He will be eligible for parole on November 16 this year.
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