Raymond Thomas Whyte charged with arson, assaults after alleged rampage

Matters against a man accused of a rampage with an axe after allegedly starting a fire at an apartment complex can now move forward.

Paramedics assisted with a reported house fire on Station Lane in Sarina at 7.01pm on October 18. Photo taken 10am on October 19, and a crime scene has been declared by police. Picture: Fergus Gregg

The case against a man accused over a rampage with an axe through Sarina after he allegedly started a fire at an apartment complex can move forward after outstanding evidence was disclosed.

Raymond Thomas Whyte is facing 19 charges, 14 which stem from a single alleged crime spree at Sarina on October 18, 2024.

Police allege the 44-year-old Mirani man deliberately set fire to a Railway Square unit complex, before threatening multiple people with an axe at a nearby hotel.

He then allegedly used the weapon to assault a man, and break into a grocery and liquor store.

Police further allege he fled the scene in a Nissan Navara ute, before assaulting a man while attempting to take a second vehicle from a Bruce Highway property at Chelona.

It is alleged about 8pm the Navara crashed into a house on Homebush Rd, Rosella, before the driver struck a pedestrian and attempted to flee the scene on foot.

The dog squad was used to take the man into police custody just after 8pm at Bakers Creek.

Paramedics assisted with a reported house fire on Station Lane in Sarina at 7.01pm on October 18. Photo taken 10am on October 19, where a crime scene has been declared. Picture: Fergus Gregg

Mr White is charged with arson, five counts of assault causing bodily harm – two of which are aggravated, dangerous driving while adversely affected, going armed so as to cause fear, trespassing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and four counts of wilful damage.

He is also charged with stealing, authority to possess explosives, and possessing drugs, used drug utensils and category A/B/M weapons.

No pleas have been entered.

Matters have been progressing through Mackay Magistrates Court since October last year and were mentioned earlier this week but adjourned until Wednesday when Magistrate Damien Dwyer asked about outstanding medical report.

The court heard they had been disclosed that morning.

Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Ancilla Seethya asked for a four week adjournment for a committal mention.

Under Queensland legislation at least the arson charge will need to be dealt with in the district court.

Matters were adjourned to late June and Mr Whyte was remanded in custody.