Queensland fisherman charged with alleged slavery of deckhands

A fisherman has been charged with slavery and torture over the alleged mistreatment of deckhands on board his vessel.

Queensland Police have charged a man over the alleged mistreatment of crew on board his fishing vessels. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

A fisherman has been charged with torture and slavery over the alleged mistreatment of deckhands on-board his fishing vessels in Far North Queensland.

Last year, police launched a wide-ranging investigation into allegations the 47-year-old man had threatened and assaulted deckhands, including withholding food and water.

The man from Karumba, in the Gulf Country east of Burketown, was charged in January with 46 offences including 18 counts of common assault, and multiple counts of torture and slavery.

Earlier this week, he was charged with an additional 23 offences.

Queensland Police searched a series of vessels as part of their investigation. Picture: Queensland Police/Supplied.

They include seven counts of common assault, five counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, three counts of stealing, two counts of torture, two counts of causing a person to enter or remain in servitude, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, fraud and attempting to procure others to commit a criminal act (kidnapping).

Police said they were also investigating allegations related to intimidation of witnesses and perverting the course of justice.

Cairns detectives praised the bravery of the witnesses who had brought the allegations and said that investigations are ongoing.

“If you have information that could assist this investigation, we want to hear from you,” Detective Sergeant Bradley McLeish said earlier this year.

“Victims who may be subject to harassment or intimidation in relation to speaking to police are assured that all offenders will be held accountable for their actions.

“Anyone making threats to potential witnesses or victims can expect a visit from detectives very soon.”

Originally published as Queensland fisherman charged with alleged slavery of deckhands