Shannon Puckeridge is accused of breaking into the woman’s home around 8.30am while she was out and stealing thousands of dollars worth of goods, including jewellery, electronics, cash and pre-wrapped Christmas presents.

Two witnesses told police they saw Puckeridge enter the woman’s property “four or five times” over a 30 minute period. It is alleged he smashed a ground floor window to gain entry.

Among the items taken was a gold wedding ring, two pairs of earrings, toiletries including shampoo, conditioner and hair gel, Christmas-wrapped Nivea men’s shower packs, a vacuum cleaner and cash.

The total value of the stolen goods was more than $9,000, police said.

It is alleged sometime during the theft, Puckeridge used a red jerry can to pour petrol onto the lounge room carpet. The jerry can was on the floor when the woman returned home around noon.

Police said she was extremely distressed upon discovering the petrol – it will be alleged Puckeridge had previously threatened to burn down his houses in the street, including the victim’s.

Puckeridge was arrested last Thursday. Police located a boxed soccer set and Nivea grooming products in the house, which they will allege were proceeds from the break and enter.

In court on Friday, Puckeridge denied the allegations, claiming they had been “made up” by other neighbours in the street.

However, Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail on account of Puckeridge’s criminal history and the concerning nature of the accusations.