Thursday, October 24, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Mirani Man Charged Following Sarina Rampage

A 44-year-old Mirani man has been charged following an alleged series of arson and assaults in the Sarina area on the night of October 18.
Authorities were alerted shortly before 7pm, responding to reports that a man had allegedly set fire to a unit complex on Railway Square. Following this, it is alleged the man threatened several people with an axe at a nearby hotel before assaulting a man with the weapon. He is also accused of breaking into a grocery store and a liquor store during the rampage.
The man then allegedly fled the scene in a Nissan Navara utility. A short time later, at a property along the Bruce Highway in Chelona, the suspect allegedly assaulted another man in an attempt to steal a vehicle.
By around 8pm, the Nissan Navara had allegedly crashed into a house on Homebush Road in Rosella, and the suspect is accused of striking a pedestrian before fleeing the scene on foot.
With assistance from the police dog squad, officers apprehended the man in Bakers Creek shortly after 8pm.
He has been charged with one count each of arson, going armed to cause fear, trespassing, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, alongside four counts each of wilful damage and assault occasioning bodily harm. The man was remanded in custody and appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Monday, October 21.
The suspect, identified as Raymond Thomas Whyte, has had his case adjourned until January 28 next year.

High-risk Domestic Violence Offender Charged
Moranbah investigators continue to take strong action against high-risk domestic violence offenders, charging a 47-year-old Moranbah man on October 16.
Police will allege the man stalked and seriously assaulted a woman in a series of incidents over the past year.
Following investigations, the man was taken into custody mid-morning Wednesday, October 16.
He has been charged with five counts of common assault (domestic violence offence), two counts of strangulation (domestic violence offence), and one count each of grievous bodily harm and unlawful stalking.
Detective Inspector Emma Novosel said officers in the Mackay Whitsunday District will continue to maintain a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to high-harm offenders in the community.
“We are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure violent offences are investigated, and victims are protected,” said Detective Inspector Novosel.
“Our Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) High Risk Team is dedicated to ensuring victims are supported and protected, and offenders are brought before the court.”
“The Mackay Whitsunday District are dedicated to ensuring victims are protected and supported.”
“The Vulnerable Person Unit work closely with investigators and officers across the Mackay Whitsunday District to ensure Domestic Violence offenders are held to account and bought before the court at every opportunity.”
“If you see or hear acts of violence, we encourage you to come forward to police as soon as possible.”
The 47-year-old man has been remanded in custody and due to reappear before Mackay Magistrates Court December 5.

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