November 26, 2012
A 19-year-old man charged with raping a former flatmate in Kingaroy on July 10 has been ordered to face trial in the District Court.
The man, who was not required to enter a plea, consented to a full hand-up of evidence in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Thursday with no cross-examination of witnesses.
He will face trial on a date to be fixed.
* * *
A 20-year-old man who pleaded guilty to stealing a camera, lens and accessories valued at $3437 from a volunteer at Kingaroy’s Motors In Motion Festival, has been ordered to complete 150 hours community service.
Police Prosecutor Sgt Wayne Bushell said the photographer had placed his camera on a fence while he helped festival organisers to pull down a tent because of an impending storm.
Aaron Long admitted picking up the camera and passing it to co-offender to remove it from the area.
Long was on 18 months probation for a wilful damage charge at the time of the offence.
Magistrate Mark Bucknall said it was a serious charge aggravated by the fact that it had occurred at a community event. He said the photographer would have expected an element of trust.
“People were enjoying themselves and then you came along and stole his equipment,” Mr Bucknall said.
* * *
A 33-year-old disability pensioner who failed to return an Avis rental car has been ordered to perform 46 hours community service.
Kingaroy Magistrates Court was told on Thursday that Brendan John Stephens hired the vehicle from an Avis outlet in Brisbane on September 9. It was recovered at Kingaroy Shoppingworld almost a month later.
Solicitor Elizabeth Daniels, for Stephens, said her client had no criminal history and had never been to court before.
She said he had panicked after hitting a kangaroo which caused $5000 damage to the vehicle.
“He didn’t know what to do so he simply stuck his head in the sand,” she said.
Magistrate Bucknall said it was a serious offence for which people can go to prison.
“Avis should be able to have their vehicles available for rental,” he said.
He fined Stephens $1000 but then ordered that the fine be converted to community service. No conviction was recorded.
* * *
A man charged with breaching his bail conditions was sentenced to three months jail in Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Dallas Michael Bond was charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm on September 9 and subsequently released on bail.
He pleaded guilty to breaching the condition that he not have contact with the female complainant in that matter.
Mr Mark Oliver, for Bond, said the couple had five children together. He said she had rung Bond and asked him to come over to remove a refrigerator and furniture. She allegedly told him police had told her it would be okay.
Mr Bucknall set a parole release date of January 1.
