Ethan Burnett sentenced for throwing petrol bomb on Yeppoon driveway

The reason why a Central Queensland man threw a petrol bomb on his former boss’s driveway while the latter was hosting a social gathering, has been revealed.

Ethan Laing Burnett, 30, was sentenced in Yeppoon Magistrates Court after he threw a petrol bomb on his former boss’s driveway. Generic image.

A Central Queensland man who threw a petrol bomb on his former boss’s driveway while the latter was hosting a social gathering, has faced court.

Ethan Laing Burnett, 30, pleaded guilty in Yeppoon Magistrates Court to wilful damage.

Police prosecutor Brandy Butler said the incident happened at Yeppoon on January 17 after Burnett’s professional relationship with his ex-boss “soured”.

Ms Butler said Burnett had an active workcover claim regarding his previous employment.

The court heard that about 7.08pm on the night of the incident, Burnett drove his work ute past his ex-boss’s home - a place he’d been to numerous times during his previous employment.

Dashcam footage from a parked vehicle in the street captured Burnett’s car - a white, single-cab HiLux ute with no number plates and distinctive toolboxes mounted underneath and on top of the tray.

The court heard Burnett conducted a three-point turn and then stopped in front of his former boss’s driveway where he threw a glass bottle filled with petrol out of the car window.

“(It) erupted in fire and a large flame burned for about 10 seconds,” Ms Butler said.

“(The HiLux) then immediately drove off and the fire remained as a low flame until the (ex-boss) and neighbours came out to extinguish it.

“Police attended and obtained photographs of the driveway which showed a scorched area, approximately a metre squared.”

Yeppoon Courthouse.

The court heard Burnett had no criminal history and the prosecution sought $200 restitution for the cleaning of the driveway.

Solicitor Oscar Millroy said Burnett was a married father with three children.

Mr Millroy explained the background to the incident.

“Mr Burnett was suffering from severe stress and high workload due to his employment as a roofing supervisor,” Mr Millroy said.

“The stress became overwhelming and Mr Burnett suffered a heart attack at work.

“A workcover claim was commenced and approved... and now ultimately terminating proceedings were commenced against Mr Burnett and that led to the ultimate sourness of the relationship.

“Following this (Burnett’s) mental health deteriorated further.”

Mr Millroy said Burnett was on his way to hospital when the wilful damage incident occurred.

“There’s no explanation for Mr Burnett’s actions - he does recognise that it was a dangerous act and he’s lucky to be charged with what he was charged with.”

Mr Millroy said Burnett had plans to move to South Australia.

Magistrate Lance Rundle fined Burnett $500 and ordered he pay $200 restitution.

No conviction was recorded.