Rockhampton police lay charges after loader allegedly used to steal car from Parkhurst business

A Bundaberg man has faced court in Rockhampton after a loader was allegedly stolen to break into a holding yard and steal another vehicle which was awaiting police examination. SEE THE VIDEO.

A 31-year-old Bundaberg man has faced court in Rockhampton after an already stolen car was allegedly taken from a towing yard at Parkhurst in May before police could forensically examine it.

Nicholas Adam Healy had his matters mentioned in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Monday.

Mr Healy was charged with three counts of enter premises and commit indictable offence by break, two counts of unlawful use of motor vehicles, and one count each of arson, enter premises and commit indictable offence, unlawful use of motor vehicles used for indictable offence and wilful damage.

Defence lawyer Felicity Davis said her client would not be applying for bail and that a Legal Aid application would be lodged.

Police are investigating after a front end loader was used to break into a holding yard before stealing a car that was awaiting forensic examination from police after previously being stolen.

Ms Davis ordered a brief of evidence for the arson charge.

Magistrate Cameron Press adjourned Mr Healy’s matters to August 10 and he was remanded in custody.

Police allege a front loader, which was stolen from REO Heavy Vehicle Repairs on May 15, was used to break into the holding yard of Fitzroy Towing before the driver, Mr Healy, stole a car and set the loader alight.

The incident happened about 5.40am on Leichhardt Street.

Detective Senior Sergeant Luke Peachy said police were keeping an open mind as they investigate the matter.

CCTV footage showed the driver pushing a flat-bed truck forward to access the Holden Commodore before backing the car out and driving off.

Before getting out of the loader he also allegedly set fire to it making it inoperable and causing more than $100,000 in damage.

Detective Senior Sergeant and Officer in Charge of Rockhampton CIB Luke Peachy said the loader was also used to allegedly ram the gates of the holding yard.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peachy said the car had been previously stolen from a home in Rockhampton, but when it was found there were no keys and police were waiting to forensically examine the vehicle.

Police are investigating after a front end loader was used to break into a holding yard before stealing a car that was awaiting forensic examination from police after previously being stolen.

But they never got the chance before it was taken again.

Detective Senior Sergeant Peachy said the flat-bed truck that had been pushed sustained minimal damage.

“The tow truck was pushed into another vehicle and there was some minor damage caused to that, but the major concern is the damage to the excavator, there’s over $100,000 in damage I believe to that vehicle,” he said.

“We were first notified by the owner of the holding yard and were advised of the break and enter then.”