The homeless man hailed as a hero after this month's terrorist attack in Melbourne has appeared in court charged with committing theft the day before he took on the Bourke Street terrorist with a shopping trolley.
Michael Rogers, who has become known as 'trolley man' to many Australians, is charged with five offences including two counts of theft, two counts of burglary and offending while on bail.
The alleged crimes took place before Mr Rogers hit the national spotlight on November 9, when he used a shopping trolley to confront Hassan Khalif Shire Ali.
Shire Ali was shot by police after stabbing three people, including Melbourne cafe identity Sisto Malaspina, who died from his wounds.
Charge sheets released by the court allege Mr Rogers, 46, stole a $2,000 bicycle and $500 in cash on November 8, and burgled two properties in Melbourne on October 16.
He was on bail at the time.
During a brief hearing before Magistrate Julie Grainger, Mr Rogers was ordered to take part in support programs as instructed by the court.
"Try my best," Mr Rogers told the court.
Outside, he said: "I'm sticking by all the bail conditions. Everything's going well. I'm off the drugs."
He was accompanied at court by charity worker Donna Stolzenberg, who set up an online fundraiser after the attack that raised $145,000 for Mr Rogers.
"With the help of the lady, Donna, I'm moving full steam ahead," Mr Rogers said.
"That's all I've got to say."
CCTV images of Mr Rogers pushing the trolley towards Shire Ali as the terrorist waved a knife at police were beamed across the world.
Launceston man Rod Patterson, who was stabbed in the head, and a 26-year-old security guard who was stabbed in the neck both survived their injuries.
Mr Rogers is expected to appear before Magistrate Grainger again in December.
