Darlene Sylvia McKinlay, 32, charged over attempted arson of boat on Fitzroy River

A woman accused of attempting to set a boat on fire on the Fitzroy River before diving into the water to flee has appeared in court. Read here what happened.

Darlene Sylvia McKinlay, 32, has been charged with one count of attempted arson of a vessel – domestic violence offence, one of choking – domestic violence, one of contravening police protection notice and two of assault occasioning bodily harm – domestic violence. These charges were laid in relation to an incident on the Fitzroy River about 5.30am on October 21, 2022.

A woman accused of attempting to set a boat on fire on the Fitzroy River has appeared in court.

Darlene Sylvia McKinlay, 32, has been charged with one count of attempted arson of a vessel – domestic violence offence, one of choking – domestic violence, and two of assault occasioning bodily harm – domestic violence.

Police allege Ms McKinlay assaulted a man known to her about 5.30am on Friday, October 21, before allegedly pouring petrol on a boat and attempting to set it alight.

A police spokesperson told The Morning Bulletin emergency services, including SES vessels which assisted police negotiators and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, responded to the incident.

“It is alleged the woman lit a cloth on fire and attempted to throw it onto the boat, before diving into the water,” QPS said in a statement.

“The cloth was extinguished immediately and the woman was taken into custody.”

A 69-year-old Depot Hill man suffered minor injuries and was transported in a stable condition to Rockhampton Hospital.

Briefs of evidence were ordered by Ms McKinlay’s lawyer, Ken Spinaze, and her matters were adjourned until December 7.

A bail application was not made and Ms McKinlay was remanded in custody.