Alleged Woolies Australia Day vandal Travis Matthew Profke banned from going within 50m of grocery outlets: court
A court has slapped a strict ban on a man accused of vandalising a Woolies store in protest of the grocery giant’s decision to stop stocking Australia Day merch.
A man who allegedly trashed a Woolies store over the grocery giant’s decision to stop stocking Australia Day merch has been banned from going near any of the company’s shopping centres while on bail, a court has been told.
Travis Matthew Profke, 40, initially claimed to media outlets he was having an “out of body” experience when he allegedly vandalised the Brisbane store in early January.
But Mr Profke was silent when questioned by media as he hurriedly exited Brisbane Arrests Court following his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Under his newly-signed bail conditions, the Ormiston man is not allowed to be within 50m of any Woolworths store.
Mr Profke is facing three counts of wilful damage by graffiti and two counts of wilful damage.
It is alleged he defaced a Woolworths store on Commercial Rd in Teneriffe on January 15, spray-painting the words: “5 days 26 Jan Aussie Oi Oi Woolies F*** U,” and “boycott Woolies” on the storefront.
It is further alleged he set off a flare, which triggered the building’s fire alarm.
The alleged attack was captured on CCTV and released to the public by police.
Mr Profke’s other charges of wilful damage relate to allegations other properties in Cleveland and Victoria Point were vandalised days before the Teneriffe store was allegedly targeted.
On Wednesday, Mr Profke’s lawyer asked for a further mention of the matter to be listed next month.
“We’re waiting for further material to accompany further submissions, so four weeks would be more appropriate,” his lawyer told Brisbane Arrests Court.
His matter will return to court on March 20.
Mr Profke has not entered a plea to the charges.
His silent demeanour outside court was a remarkable contrast to his interview with 7 News when the charges were first laid.
In an exclusive interview with the network, Mr Profke said he felt “terrible” about the alleged incident and was profusely apologetic.
“It’s not only wrong to do that, it’s haunting, it’s shocking (and) violent,” Mr Profke told 7 News.
He claimed the alleged incident was an “out of body experience” but stood by his message to Woolworths over their decision about Australia Day merchandise.
“It wasn’t a conscious episode,” Mr Profke said.
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“It wasn’t the right way to go about it.”
Woolworths sparked controversy earlier this year after announcing Australia Day-themed merchandise would not be stocked in any of its grocery chains or at Big W stores just weeks ahead of the national holiday.
The company said “gradual decline” in demand for the merchandise over the years was behind their decision, along with “broader discussion” about the January 26 date and “what it means” to different parts of the community.