Luke Daniel Spicer, 35, of Mullion Creek faced Orange Local Court on Monday, pleading guilty to goods in custody after police pulled him over at 3am on October 14. 

A breath test proved negative but according to police, Spicer’s search for the dog at Canobolas State Forest aroused suspicion and they searched the vehicle.

The Stihl chainsaw was discovered in the rear tray, with ‘NSWFC’ engraved on it and its serial number scratched out.

Questioned where he got it, Spicer told them he had paid $600 for the saw.

Officers later discovered the saw had likely come from NSW Forestry Corporation’s Spring Creek depot on August 30 when six chainsaws had been taken.

Police said Spicer was asked to bring the chainsaw to the police station, which he did on October 16, however he was unable to stay for an interview and police were later unable to track him down.

Attending his workplace on January 19, Spicer told police he had changed phones and his brother had put him in contact with the seller, who he had been unable to reach since.

However, he contended he did not know the saw was stolen because it was for sale for $600, which was in line with the usual market value of $500-$1000.