Former Barron River MP Micheal Trout’s assault charges expected to go to joint trial

A former Far North MP facing court on assault and stalking charges after police alleged he was involved in a brawl that left a 32-year-old man in hospital has had his matters heard in Cairns Court.

Former MP Michael Trout. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

Former Barron River MP Michael John Trout has had his assault and stalking charges heard in Cairns Court as police alleged he was involved in a brawl that left a 32-year-old man in hospital.

Mr Trout’s matter was heard with an application for joinder made and approved for his co-accused Luke Norman Trout and Eric Frederick Forster’s matters to be heard at the same time.

Both Michael and his brother Luke have been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, another count of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company and one count of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment, or abuse.

The charges relate to an incident in Holloways Beach on May 17, 2024.

Following heightened tensions in the community stemming from a claimed surge in youth criminal activity, it’s alleged Michael Trout arrived at a Holloways Beach property soon after another car pulled into the driveway.

Mr Trout allegedly confronted the three people in the car before allegedly assaulting Leah Kawane, 23.

When her partner, 32-year-old Jessie Howie, the son of LNP vice chair for Barron River Darren Howie, retaliated, police alleged he was also assaulted by Mr Trout.

The 32-year-old was taken to Cairns Hospital for treatment.

Mr Forster is also alleged to have been involved in the brawl.

He is facing three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company.

The three men were represented by Bebe Mellick with another mention listed for May 29 before the matter is expected to be committed to the District Court of Queensland for trial.

Originally published as Former Barron River MP Micheal Trout’s assault charges expected to go to joint trial