crime Archives - Chermside News

Violent Assault in Huxtable Park Under Investigation

Detectives from the Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch are seeking public assistance following a violent assault that occurred last night, September 5, in Huxtable Park.

According to police reports, a 29-year-old man from Bracken Ridge was attacked while sitting in his parked vehicle at approximately 11 PM on September 5. The victim was assaulted by a group of unidentified individuals who fled the scene in a white car, heading towards Hamilton Road.

Upon arrival at the scene, police found the victim with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported the man to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital for treatment.

Authorities have declared the area a crime scene and are conducting a thorough investigation. They are particularly interested in any surveillance footage or dashcam video that may have captured the white car in the vicinity of Huxtable Park around 11 PM last night, the time of the assault.

They are asking anyone with information to contact Policelink by using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

The case reference number for this incident is QP2401531516.

Published 6-September-2024

Chermside Man Arrested After High-Speed Pursuit with Stolen Vehicle

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 25-year-old Chermside man was apprehended following a high-speed pursuit through local streets last Friday night. The incident, which began shortly before 10 pm on August 23, involved a white Holden Colorado utility that had been reported stolen from a Banyo business on August 21.

Police first spotted the allegedly stolen vehicle speeding along Rode Road. The driver, attempting to evade capture, made a sharp left turn onto Sydney Street, continuing to drive dangerously through the suburb. The chase came to an end when the vehicle stopped at the Carseldine rail station carpark.

In a desperate attempt to escape, the sole occupant fled on foot, prompting a coordinated response from local police and the Dog Squad. Their efforts led them to a residence near Bellara Street, where the suspect was successfully apprehended.

The 25-year-old Chermside resident now faces multiple charges, including entering premises and committing an indictable offence, receiving tainted property, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He was remanded in custody and scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 26.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of vehicle theft in the area and the swift response of local law enforcement. Residents of Chermside and surrounding suburbs are advised to remain vigilant and secure their vehicles properly.

Police are urging anyone with additional information about this incident to come forward.

Information can be provided via the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or by calling 131 444.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Authorities have provided the reference numbers QP2401419686 and QP2401431419 for this case.

Published 29-August-2024

James Morton Mason: Man Who Set Fatal Fire Loses Appeal Bid

Photo Credit: Facebook / Zoey Kramar

James Morton Mason, the man who brutally murdered his partner Alexis Parkes by setting fatal fire to her home in a horrific act of domestic violence loses in his attempt to overturn his conviction on appeal.

**Alexis Parkes**
Photo Credit: Change.org

James Morton Mason was sentenced to life in prison in December 2022 after being found guilty by a jury of the callous murder of 50-year-old Parkes. On Tuesday, the Brisbane Court of Appeal dismissed Mason’s claims that there were errors in how the trial judge instructed the jury.

The harrowing details presented at trial were that in February 2020, after an argument with Parkes, Mason deliberately set fire to a car parked under her home in Chermside while she was inside. He then watched as the flames engulfed the house, trapping the defenseless Parkes.

Despite bystanders’ frantic efforts to rescue her, Parkes suffered catastrophic burns to 80% of her body. The mother of four endured unimaginable agony before succumbing to multiple organ failure just four days later when her life support was withdrawn.

Mason’s unconscionable actions robbed four children of their mother in the most painful way imaginable. Yet at his appeal, his lawyer Sally Robb incredibly tried to argue the jury was not adequately informed on whether Mason meant to kill Parkes or just cause her grievous bodily harm.

However, the Appeal Court judges ruled the jury was properly instructed, with Justice Philip Morrison writing the defence’s position “was simply and clearly put” at trial. Mason’s murderous intent was laid bare by his shocking disregard for human life as he watched his partner’s home become an inferno.

This ruling confirms that Mason’s despicable crime met the highest legal standard of guilt for murder. While nothing can undo this unspeakable tragedy, the judges’ dismissal of his appeal provides a small measure of justice for Parkes and her loved ones.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT for support and services, or call 000 if you are in immediate danger.

Published 4-June-2024

Fatal Traffic Crash Along Kittyhawk Dr and Murphy Rd

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A fatal traffic crash involving a pedestrian occurred in the early morning of 21 March 2024 at the intersection of Kittyhawk Drive and Murphy Road.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident at approximately 5:15 am at the intersection.

The pedestrian involved in the crash was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

The vehicle involved in the incident fled the scene, and police are currently searching for the suspect.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward.

Information can be provided to Policelink using the online suspicious activity form, available 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, crime information can be reported via Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000 or reporting online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

When providing information, please quote the reference number QP2400499386.

Published 23-March-2024