Son of the LNP’s Darren Howie to sue former Barron River MP Michael Trout
An LNP powerbroker arrested on assault charges is now likely to be sued, with a fellow party member’s son one of the complainants in the criminal case against the former MP.
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An LNP powerbroker arrested on assault charges is now likely to be sued, with a fellow party member’s son one of the complainants in the criminal case against the former MP.
Last month the LNP’s regional chair Michael Trout stepped down from his role after being charged with two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and one count of unlawful stalking.
The charges relate to an incident in Holloways Beach on May 17.
Following heightened tensions in the community stemming from a claimed surge in youth criminal activity, it’s alleged Mr Trout arrived at Holloways Beach property soon after another car pulled into the driveway.
Mr Trout confronted the three people in the car before allegedly assaulting Leah Kawane, 23.
When her partner 32-year-old Jessie Howie retaliated, police allege he was also assaulted by Mr Trout.
The 32-year-old was taken to Cairns Hospital for treatment.
It can now be revealed Mr Howie is the son of Darren Howie, who at the time of the incident was the LNP vice chair of the Barron River electorate.
However, there is no suggestion the father-son relationship had any bearing on the alleged incident between Mr Trout and Jessie Howie.
Immediately after the brawl Mr Trout contacted the Cairns Post claiming to have been hit in the head with a shovel in a confrontation with wayward youths; he also shared photos of himself sporting a black eye.
Neither Mr Howie nor Ms Kawane have been charged with any offence; nor is there any suggestion either of them caused the injuries to Mr Trout evident in the photos.
The former Liberal National politician was elected to the seat of Barron River in 2012 and served one term, but has since remained active within the Far North branch of the party and has assisted with the election campaign of Barron River candidate Bree James.
Mr Howie (senior) said pictures of Mr Trout sporting a black eye raised obvious questions
at the regional LNP’s annual general meeting soon after the incident.
He said he felt the situation could have been handled better by the party.
“It’s just a horrible situation,” he said.
“This is the last thing they needed (given) it’s a crucial election.”
Vice regional chair Colin Ford has now stepped into Mr Trout’s position as regional chair for a vast area encompassing the federal and state electorates of Kennedy, Leichhardt, Hill, Mulgrave Barron River and Cook.
Mr Trout is expected to front the Cairns Magistrates Court on September 16.
In another blow for the embattled LNP powerbroker, Jessie Howie has instructed Slater and Gordon Lawyers in Cairns and is considering commencing a civil claim against Mr Trout.
Mr Howie (senior) has now stepped down from an executive role with the party but remains an LNP member.
He said the incident had been a bizarre case of mistaken identity as his son went to the house in Holloways Beach for a meal and was not involved in any wrongdoing.
“You couldn’t make this up,” he said.
At the time Detective Inspector Kevin Goan issued warnings about vigilantism in the neighbourhood and urged residents not to take matters into their own hands.
A 47-year-old man and 66-year-old man, both from Holloways Beach, have also been charged in relation to the brawl along with a 15-year-old Mooroobool boy.
Mr Trout and the LNP were both approached for comment but did not respond before publication.
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Originally published as Son of the LNP’s Darren Howie to sue former Barron River MP Michael Trout
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