Gladstone man Peter Lee Midgely charged with animal cruelty and damaging property after ‘loud explosion’ on Butler Street, New Auckland

A Gladstone man will remain in custody after he allegedly caused serious animal cruelty following a “loud explosion” at a Gladstone unit complex. Read what police say happened.

A man allegedly caused serious animal cruelty following a “loud explosion” at a Gladstone unit block last week.

A 48-year-old New Auckland man, Peter Lee Midgely, was charged with serious animal cruelty and endangering particular property by fire after neighbours saw smoke billowing from a Butler Street unit block.

On Tuesday afternoon, witnesses felt a loud explosion shortly after hearing “loud screams” from the property, including a male voice which allegedly said “I’m gonna kill the b----”.

Multiple police, fire trucks, and ambulances attended the Butler St complex before 3pm on Tuesday last week. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Police on scene said the explosive was alleged to have been “homemade”, involving a device similar in appearance to a BBQ gas tank.

Neighbours say tradesmen and labourers attended the property the day after the explosion clearing out a large volume of burned debris.

The explosion is understood to have taken place out the back of the unit complex on Butler St, New Auckland. Picture: Nilsson Jones

It is understood police knew the rough whereabouts of the man following the incident but did not make an arrest until late Thursday.

Mr Midgely appeared in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Friday, June 10, for mention from the watchhouse and is set to appear again in August.

He was remanded in custody.