Man banned from shopping centre after allegedly placing fake QR code over real one

A man has been charged by police and banned from a local shopping centre after allegedly covering a legitimate COVID-19 QR code with a fake one.

A South Australian man has been charged after allegedly placing a fake QR code over a store’s legitimate COVID-19 digital check in.

Colin Mark Davies, 51, was arrested and charged with two counts of obstructing operations carried out relative to COVID-19 under the Emergency Management Act.

Police attended his Edwardstown home on Wednesday over the allegations that took place at Franco's Fruit and Veg in South Plympton on Sunday.

After officers searched his home, they allegedly found a double-side knife, which is classified as a prohibited weapon, and was further charged with possessing a prohibited weapon.

Mr Davies was refused police bail and appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via video link later that afternoon.

Mr Davies’ defence lawyer argued her client should not be held in custody as the maximum penalty for the crime was a fine and it would be “disproportionate” to his offence.

She also said that because the knife was found in her client’s bedroom that a defence on the weapons charge was “likely”.

“He has no prior history of breaching bail … we say bail can be put in place to ensure the safety of the community,” the defence lawyer said.

“He didn’t realise that he was going to find himself in a position where he was going to be in custody.

“I reiterated to him that he can’t engage in this behaviour again and he has indicated to me he is not going to do so.

“Noting the maximum penalty, he should be given the benefit of the doubt so that he can prove to the community he can comply.”

Mr Davies’ lawyer said the store manager immediately noticed that the fake QR code was placed on top of the real one.

Magistrate Michelle Sutcliffe said Mr Davies offending had the potential to have “very serious consequences” but granted him bail.

Under his bail conditions, Mr Davies cannot attend the Forbes Shopping Centre in Adelaide’s southwest or possess any loose QR code labels.

In a statement, South Australia Police reassured the public that no personal data was released through the incident.

“Any person found to be tampering or obstructing with business QR codes will likely face arrest and court penalty of up to $10,000,” they said.

Businesses or customers who suspect false QR codes being attached to a COVID Safe Plan should contact the police assistance line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.