Dalby father Ashley James Van Klaveren in court after failed toilet bomb
A Dalby dad left a courtroom puzzled with his bizarre behaviour after it was revealed he attempted to blow up a public toilet using a homemade bomb. See what led police straight to him.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A man was berated by a magistrate for not setting a good example for his eight children when it was revealed he used a homemade bomb to try and destroy a public toilet.
Police prosecutor Chris Hutchins said witnesses camping at Jimbour Hall on October 2 last year heard a loud bang come from the male toilets before seeing two people run outside.
The court was told one of those people was Western Downs man Ashley Van Klaveren, who appeared in Dalby Magistrates Court on September 26 admitting to the bizarre offence.
Sergeant Hutchins said the witnesses noticed damage to the toilet bowl and called police.
“Upon arrival (police) observed damage to the toilet bowl and a small homemade sparkler bomb with a gas cylinder on the toilet roll holder,” he said.
“A fingerprint was located on the explosive device identifying (Van Klaveren).”
The police prosecutor questioned the motives behind such an immature stunt.
“He’s 37 years old, your mind has to wonder,” Sergeant Hutchins said.
“We see these things happen of course, I’m aware of people doing it in their teens but one has to wonder why a 37-year-old is going around blowing up toilets.”
Defence lawyer Michael Bond said his client was remorseful for his actions but provided no reason for the bizarre behaviour.
“It’s a silly thing he did, he admits that your honour,” Mr Bond said.
Acting magistrate Michael Bice emphasised condemned the behaviour.
“It’s very foolish what you did,” he said.
“I struggle to understand why you did it, especially a place like that you’re lucky it didn’t really explode because you don’t know what could have happened.
“It’s not a very good example for your eight children is it?”
Van Klaveren pleaded guilty to wilful damage.
He was fined $400 and ordered to pay $539 in restitution to council.
Everybody appearing at Dalby Magistrates Court, Wednesday, September 18
Here is a list of matters listed at Dalby Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Drunken Macca’s trip lands woman in court
From a woman of ‘good character’ caught driving while intoxicated on her way to Macca’s to a man caught driving unlicensed, unregistered and uninsured, these are the drivers who faced the Dalby Magistrates Court on Tuesday.