'Keen for an earn?': Man's role in farm invasion and gun thefts ends in prison

Leroy Dean Kilby, 27, of Sunny South Crescent, was arrested as part of Strike Force Derra, which was investigating gun thefts and subsequent resale by another man, who was an associate of Kilby's.

According to police, Kilby and the co-accused went to the Quarry Farm Lane property about 11pm on October 21 and entered a shed at the rear.

The co-accused used bolt cutters to unlock a gun safe and took three guns, while Kilby took a motorcycle and rode it to Blayney.

Phone taps on the co-accused alerted police to text conversations before the incident, where the co-accused asked Kilby if he was "keen for an earn", and in the early hours of October 22 when Kilby was asked where he had stashed the bike.

Kilby told the other man he had stashed it down the side of the Blayney property and was about to cover it, before being instructed to stash it at the property next door in case police showed up.

After the co-accused was arrested at Silverwater jail on March 21, Kilby went to Orange Police Station, where he was arrested.

At first, he denied involvement, but admitted to the offences once police showed him the intercepted conversations.

MAP: The area where the offence took place ...

Charged with entering the property with the intent to steal and take and drive conveyance, Kilby faced Orange Local Court on Monday.

Solicitor Josh Pigott said his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and his current job was the most stable position he had gained since he left school.

"He was employed full-time at one stage but after these offences, he has stepped back to casual," he said.

Mr Pigott said there had been no planning on the part of his client.

Magistrate David Day noted Kilby had breached bonds for assault and property damage and revoked them.

"Mr Kilby should have realised something was going down," he said.

"He didn't have to steal the [vehicle] - he did."

Mr Day sentenced him to a term of 12 months, allowing six to be spent in rehabilitation in the community.