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Canberra man Michael Paul Forrest has been sentenced to seven years and one month in jail for what the judge described as a "sustained rampage of criminality" over two weeks in July 2015. Forrest, 25, had broken into 39 cars in suburbs across Canberra. Sometimes once he had found an address he would target the person's home. He stole property worth $42,000 from 29 people. The sentence represents a lost opportunity for the man. The judge had originally agreed to defer the sentence to next year, on the condition Forrest enter and complete rehabilitation at Karralika. If he'd performed well in the residential program and then in the community, it would have been reflected in the sentence. Justice Richard Refshauge gave the man bail to attend the program, but Forrest tested positive to ice a week in and was kicked out. The court heard he tried to contact Canberra Recovery Services, but was told they couldn't help while criminal matters were ongoing. The 25-year-old didn't turn himself into police or court as was required by his bail conditions. A warrant was issued, while Forrest then went on to commit further offences. Forrest was arrested when police recognised him driving a stolen car, which had earlier been started by someone with a pair of scissors. He was charged with driving a stolen car, obstructive parking and driving without a licence. Forrest has pleaded guilty to all 38 charges against him. The court has heard the man twice completed the prison's Solaris drug and alcohol program, and had participated in restorative justice, owning up to his crimes and apologising to victims. On Wednesday Justice Refshauge said he believed the man was genuine but said it was regrettable the sentiment didn't endure. He sentenced Forrest to seven years and one month in jail with a non-parole period of 4 years and 1 month. What the man had done was completely unacceptable, the judge said. Justice Refshauge said he wouldn't lecture Forrest, but he still believed Forrest could overcome his problems and addiction. "You've got an absolutely shocking record, but everyone is redeemable," he said. Forrest will be eligible for release in September 2019. The case was one of the judge's last before he retires on Thursday.