Stradbroke ban stays for ex-ranger charged over alleged firearm threat

A former North Stradbroke Island ranger has failed to overturn a bail condition banning him from the island as he faces serious charges.

Jacob Warren Martin outside Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A former principal park ranger on North Stradbroke Island, who is facing charges of threatening violence with a firearm and causing a school disturbance, has lost an application to overturn a bail condition banning him from the island.

Jacob Warren Martin, 31, who is listed on LinkedIn as a procurement officer with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, appeared in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where his legal team sought changes to his bail conditions.

Jacob Warren Martin outside Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Martin is facing seven charges relating to several alleged incidents, including threatening violence with a firearm or similar weapon, causing a disturbance at a state school, committing public nuisance in general and near a licensed venue, one count of common assault, failing to leave licensed premises when directed.

His lawyer asked the court to allow him to return to North Stradbroke Island Minjerribah, saying Martin had been unable to work for 10 weeks due to his bail conditions and needed to care for his young child, who lives on the island.

The court was also told Martin was the primary caregiver of the child and operates a business on the island which the court was told was called Quandamooka Land Care and Consultancy.

However, the request to vary bail was strongly opposed by the prosecution and questioned by Magistrate Deborah Vasta, who raised concerns about Martin’s alleged behaviour.

“He’s burned a lot of bridges on that island,” Magistrate Vasta said.

Jacob Martin worked as a park ranger on North Stradbroke Island before taking up a post as a procurement officer with QYAC. Picture: Catholic Justice & Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane

“Some of these charges relate to him going into a school and causing a disturbance.”

She also questioned whether Martin should be allowed back while facing serious allegations, and raised issues regarding his capacity to drive.

The court heard his vehicle was fitted with an alcohol interlock device.

The court also heard that Martin had been removed from the Murri Court program earlier this year for failing to engage with elders, a factor the magistrate said added to her concerns.

Martin’s lawyer told the court her client intended to plead guilty and asked for more time to gather supporting materials, including counselling reports.

The prosecution also requested an adjournment to prepare a sentencing schedule and consult with alleged victims and island elders, some of whom may wish to be present at sentencing.

Magistrate Vasta granted the adjournment, and the case is due to return to court in June.

Martin remains on bail under his existing conditions.

Any decision regarding his return to North Stradbroke Island will depend on the information presented and determinations made at the next court hearing.

Originally published as Stradbroke ban stays for ex-ranger charged over alleged firearm threat