Named: Alleged Mareeba vigilantes accused of binding’ kids hands

The two men charged with assaulting and tying up kids they claim were on private property in Far North Queensland have faced court for the first time.

The bush track off Reynolds St in Mareeba where the three boys were allegedly pursued and tied up by two men. Picture: Google

The two men charged with assaulting and tying up kids they claim were trespassing on private property have had their matters mentioned in court.

Liam Patrick Chattington, 27, and Jason James Whitehead, 37 both from Bibhoora, are accused of making an illegal citizen’s arrest by chasing down, and tying up three boys with makeshift handcuffs after they say the teens trespassed on private property.

About 5pm on December 23, 2023 police were called to the intersection of Beams and Reynolds streets in an industrial area of the Tablelands town following reports that three boys aged between 12 and 14 had allegedly been trespassing on a nearby property.

Two men have been charged following the alleged assault and deprivation of liberty of three boys in Mareeba. Picture: Google

Relatives of the boys says the three boys were only in the area to see what impact the flood had on the nearby creek in public parkland and had not veered onto any private property.

The boys have been not charged with any trespass offences.

When officers arrived, two men were at the scene.

Police allege the men, both from Biboohra, chased the boys and assaulted them before tying them up with makeshift handcuffs.

Officers released the boys from the restraints and safely escorted them home.

Later, following an investigation by the Tablelands Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives laid a series of charges against the men.

Mr Chattington and Mr Whitehead were both charged with three counts each of common assault and one count of deprivation of liberty they will return to Mareeba Magistrates Court on February 19, 2024.

Originally published as Named: Alleged Mareeba vigilantes accused of binding’ kids hands