Gold Coast camper charged over stabbing West Point resident Robert Rowan
A Magnetic Island man has been left with a horrific injury after he confronted a disgruntled camper who allegedly pulled a knife on him. GRAPHIC WARNING
Townsville
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A MAGNETIC Island man has been left with a nasty injury after he confronted a disgruntled camper who allegedly pulled a knife on him.
Police will allege that a 47-year-old Gold Coast man assaulted West Point resident, Robert Rowan, in the early hours of the morning on August 2.
The man has been charged over the incident, and police will allege Mr Rowan needed six stitches on his palm to heal the wound.
The 71-year-old says he was shaken up after the incident, and called on Townsville City Council to do more to address a lack of designated camping spots in the tourist hot spot.
Mr Rowan claims the drama started when he and his wife attempted to speak with some people in campervans parked in a carpark.
About 2am Tuesday morning he decided to venture to the same spot.
Mr Rowan knocked on the window of one campervan and a man allegedly emerged with a knife.
Police will allege Mr Rowan needed six stitches on his palm to mend the large cut in the web of skin between his thumb and forefinger.
The situation was eventually de-escalated by a triple-0 operator and both men went their separate ways.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman confirmed the incident and said police have charged a 47-year-old Gold Coast man with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm while armed with a dangerous weapon, and one count of possessing drugs.
The spokeswoman said the man was released on bail and will face court on August 23.
Speaking generally about the issue, Mr Rowan said there was a lack of designated camping spots on the island.
Mr Rowan proposed a dedicated free camping spot with water and toilet facilities be installed by council, and a permanent compliance officer to be based on the island.
A Townsville City Council spokeswoman said the local law officers do weekly patrols of Magnetic Island.
“The work that local law officers do is greatly helped by the community reporting relevant issues to council, including issues like illegal camping,” the spokeswoman said.
“Members of the public are not advised to directly approach groups of illegal campers but can assist by calling council on 13 48 10 and providing information such as the time and place of illegal camping.”
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Originally published as Gold Coast camper charged over stabbing West Point resident Robert Rowan
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