July 10, 2014

Kingaroy police are concerned there has been a rise in alcohol-fuelled assaults occurring in the local area over the past 12 months.

Officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Duane Frank said a small number of men aged between 18 and 25 were drinking to excess and starting fights at licensed premises.

Some of these have resulted in quite serious assaults.

“A lot of these fights have started over nothing or from a very minor incident which people should have just let go,” he said.

Snr Sgt Frank said people were being injured, and some had been transported to hospital via helicopter.

Innocent people who had done nothing were also ending up as victims.

“One punch can kill, and it can. If you fall down and hit your head you can die,” he said.

Snr Sgt Frank said people had a right to be able to have a few drinks at a hotel and enjoy themselves, but they must also behave responsibly.

“People should also take responsibility for their friends if they have had too much to drink,” he said.

“Take them home, put them in a taxi, call a friend, call a family member …”

Snr Sgt Frank said police had the ability to get a court-imposed order banning people from attending certain premises, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so.

There were a number of people currently under such bans in the local area.

“Any contravention of that order is taken very seriously by the court,” he said.

“Over-consumption of alcohol leading to violence on the streets is a community problem, and the South Burnett is not immune.”

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A 43-year-old Kingaroy woman drove to Kingaroy Police Station on Tuesday night seeking advice after an argument with her partner.

Police found there were no issues to investigate however they then breath-tested her and will allege she registered .096 BAC.

She has been charged with drink-driving.

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On Monday, Kingaroy police dealt with a  15-year-old girl under the Youth Justice Act on three charges of breaching bail.  A 14-year-old girl was later dealt with under the same Act on unrelated matters, ie charges of burglary and failing to appear in court.