Man accused of throwing petrol bomb in Hope Vale street ‘riot’ denied bail

A Hope Vale father has been denied bail on charges of acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable over a petrol bomb thrown during a ‘riot’ in the community.

Gavin Neil McGreen, 33, of Hope Vale is facing charges of acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable of a riot in Hope Vale.

A man accused of throwing a molotov cocktail during a riot involving between 30 and 50 people in Hope Vale at the end of December has been remanded in custody.

A woman suffered serious burns in the incident, which happened around after 7.30pm on December 30, the court was told.

Father of four, Gavin Neil McGreen, 33, has been charged with acts intended to maim, disfigure or disable.

Defence lawyer Derek Perkins made an application for bail in Cairns Magistrates Court last week.

Mr McGreen was required to “show cause” as to why he should be released because of the seriousness of the charge, which would likely attract a lengthy prison term if he was convicted.

Mr Perkins described the identification evidence as “weak”, saying police relied on mobile phone footage and a statement of a witness who had viewed the footage to identify the petrol bomb thrower despite the presence of up to 50 “witnesses” in the street.

“What is relevant is the strength of the evidence. In my submission it is weak evidence because even though they’ve got 50 witnesses, the evidence is that there is one person who says he can ID him from the mobile phone footage,” Mr Perkins said.

A molotov cocktail was allegedly thrown during a street riot in Hope Vale on 30 December 2024.

He said Mr McGreen was supported by more than seven community and family members, who attended court in Cairns.

He also tendered five letters of support for Mr McGreen written by local elders, Justice Group members and McGreen’s employer, and said Mr McGreen would live in Mossman Gorge, away from Hope Vale and comply with any reporting or non-contact conditions.

He said Mr McGreen was known to be a good worker and family man.

Police Prosecutor Luay Allawy contested the claim of “weak” evidence, saying police inquiries were ongoing.

“This is not ‘spur of the moment’ offending,” Mr Allawy told the court.

“The defendant has taken the time to make a molotov cocktail, take it to the affray, and to throw it.

“There were significant injuries to the victim - it’s just abhorrent and quite grotesque.”

He said investigating officers highlighted the risk of escalating violence, tensions and retribution in the Hope Vale community against Mr McGreen.

Cairns Magistrate Scott Luxton refused Gavin Neil McGreen’s application for bail and remanded him in custody. Picture: Brendan Radke

Magistrate Scott Luxton viewed the mobile phone footage of the riot and said Mr McGreen had not shown cause as to why he should be released on bail.

“It is clear you are gainfully employed and have the extensive support of family and others in your community ... but in my view, at this preliminary point, the evidence is strong and cause has not been shown.”

Mr Luxton adjourned the matter for committal mention on March 14, 2025.

HOPE VALE WOMAN INJURED

A woman from a remote Cape York community is recovering after being burnt by a petrol bomb thrown into a crowd during a street fight last month.

On December 30, police received reports a person had been injured during a disturbance at Hopevale at around 7.40pm.

Police allege a 37-year-old Hopevale woman sustained burns to her body as a result of a petrol bomb being thrown into the crowd during the disturbance.

Hope Vale police continue to work closely and collaboratively with community leaders to build on existing relationships to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community.

Police said they will not tolerate violence in any community and continue to conduct high-visibility patrols to deter anti-social behaviour.

Originally published as Man accused of throwing petrol bomb in Hope Vale street ‘riot’ denied bail