Septimus farmer William Donald Cawood in Mackay court on cattle theft charge

A Queensland grazier has fronted court for cattle duffing and having stock branded with an unregistered mark. He has entered pleas to the charges.

William Donald Cawood (centre) was charged with stealing a cattle, suspicion of stealing stock and branding stock with a mark not registered to his name. Photo: Fergus Gregg

A Mackay region grazier has admitted to cattle duffing and having stock branded with an unregistered mark.

Septimus farmer William Donald Cawood stood before Magistrate Damien Dwyer on Monday on several charges including stealing stock and suspicion of stealing stock.

Police allege Mr Cawood stole a stock animal, namely cattle, from another grazier on April 18, 2024, which officers found in Mr Cawood’s possession.

Mr Cawood was also charged with branding a portion of his cattle with a mark not registered to his name sometime between November 1, 2020 and April 18 2024.

The court heard this charge replaced a previous allegation of illegal branding - this charge was dropped after police prosecution offered no evidence.

William Donald Cawood was charged with stealing a cattle, suspicion of stealing stock and branding stock with a mark not registered to his name. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Mr Cawood is further charged with suspicion of stealing stock, to which Mr Dwyer queried if it related to three other animals.

“So they just gone missing?” Mr Dwyer asked.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Hannah Beaumont said it was in relation to the missing animals and told the court the charge carried a maximum penalty of five years jail.

Defence Solicitor Andrew Busch said the charges were “clearly the case of a fine”.

“Is it?” Magistrate Dwyer asked.

“I haven’t done one of these since I was sitting in Barcaldine.”

Sergeant Beaumont said restitution was south for the stolen beast as well as a additional $800, to which Mr Busch accepted on Mr Cawood’s behalf.

Mr Cawood pleaded guilty to the three charges and the matter was adjourned for sentence.