A RIVERINA man has been sentenced to jail after police tracked him down using a Facebook photo of him holding two shotguns with the caption "running from police thats [sic] right".
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Thomas Dowell, 24, of Cootamundra appeared via video link in Wagga Local Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to one count each of possessing an unauthorised firearm, possessing an unauthorised prohibited firearm and larceny.
Court documents state that Dowell, who has never held a firearms licence, had the photo taken when he stayed overnight in a room at Charles Sturt Suites, Wagga, in December last year.
He also stole $1295 worth of items from the room, including two televisions, two frying pans and the contents of the mini bar.
About 12.30am on December 23, CCTV footage showed Dowell, who has distinctive tattoos, carrying the guns wrapped in clothing into his hotel room.
Later that day, Dowell and a number of other men were captured on CCTV carrying the items from the room to a parked vehicle before they left.
"Again, Dowell is clearly identifiable by his tattoos," court documents state.
After police tracked down his Facebook profile showing the photo, they spoke with the hotel's management, who confirmed that the photo was taken in the room Dowell stayed in.
In court on Tuesday, defence solicitor Fiona Sams argued for leniency based on her client's troubled upbringing, illicit substance abuse issues and psychological issues.
The court heard Dowell was introduced to prohibited drugs at 14 years old when he entered a relationship with a woman 10 years older than him.
"As a result of negative peers and drugs, he committed criminal offences," Ms Sams said.
"It's clear from the facts that he was in the presence of negative peers when these offences occurred."
Ms Sams said Dowell now appeared to be willing to re-engage with treatment providers and that he had strong family support.
The court also heard that Dowell was on parole at the time of the offences.
Magistrate Christopher Halburd said the only appropriate penalty was jail and sentenced him to a maximum of 18 months.
"It's really a matter for you whether you end up back in there or whether you take the other road and accept the assistance that's provided to you," Mr Halburd said.
"It's a case of leading a horse to water - it's up to you."
He said he accepted that Dowell had a difficult upbringing.
With a non-parole period of eight months backdated to June 24, Dowell will be eligible for early release in March next year.
He was also ordered to compensate Charles Sturt Suites $1295.
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