Shannon Darren Wilkie appeared in Port Kembla Local Court on Monday charged with aggravated break and enter following his arrest on Sunday afternoon by police during a routine traffic stop on Robson Street.

Police claim that Wilkie’s fingerprints were found at the scene of the break-in, in which a television, laptop computer, soundsystem and PC were stolen.

The court heard the couple who lived at the Glenfield home locked their house and went to bed about 11pm on November 17, only to wake the following morning to discover the items gone.

Police claim Wilkie damaged several doors to gain access to the home, including slashing the rear fly screen door, busting open the garage roller door  and opening the screen door at the front of the premises.

Forensic police swept the area for evidence, allegedly locating Wilkie’s fingerprints on the television cabinet that had been left behind.

During an interview with police following his arrest, Wilkie allegedly admitted to the break-in, claiming he had done it while ‘‘on a bender’’.

‘‘I did it, I was there,’’ he allegedly told police.

‘‘I don’t remember much...I was on a bender...I don’t even remember it to be honest. I just know I did something – I woke up and knew.’’

In court on Monday, prosecutor Sergeant Seleena Gillmore opposed Wilkie’s bail application, saying there was an unacceptable risk he would not turn up to future court appearances. She noted Wilkie had a long criminal record, including a previous conviction and 15-month custodial sentence for a break and enter offence.

‘‘If the accused is found guilty [another] custodial sentence is highly likely,’’ she said.

Defence lawyer Stewart Holt said Wilkie had just started a lawn maintenance business and needed to remain at liberty to continue to support his family.

However, Magistrate Chris McRobert refused the application, saying the prosecution case against Wilkie appeared to be a strong one.

He said the likely jail sentence if convicted gave Wilkie ‘‘a strong incentive not to turn up’’ to court.

Wilkie will remain behind bars over Christmas and appear in court again in January.