Tara man, Peteli John Afoa, faces Dalby District Court for ‘bizarre’ arson attempt on cop cars

A self-proclaimed alcoholic has sworn off the grog since being busted trying to light cop cars on fire after breaking into the back of a Western Downs police station. Here’s what a judge had to say about the offence.

Peteli John Afoa was sentenced in Dalby District Court for attempted arson, December 2022. Picture: Facebook

A court has been told a Tara man has changed his ways after spending time in jail following a ”bizarre” arson attempt which involved him trying to light police cars on fire.

Peteli John Afoa was busted on July 24 by a police officer just moments away from lighting three police cars on fire after he snuck through the back of the Tara police station.

The Dalby District Court heard the man was captured on CCTV looking for something to light the cars with after dousing them in petrol in the early hours of that morning.

Crown prosecutor Stephen Muir said the 20-year-old’s criminal history was of concern as he hadn’t responded well to the intensive correction order imposed on the man following the arson attempt.

Defence barrister Frank Martin said his client had no memory of the disturbing event due to “serious intoxication”.

“He agrees he was an alcoholic and started drinking at 10,” Mr Martin said.

“Just prior to that event he lost two good friends, a short period before the offending.”

Mr Martin said the 18 days Afoa spent in pre-sentence custody was enough to encourage the man never to touch alcohol again.

Judge Alexander Horneman-Wren described the arson attempt as “really quite bizarre”.

“What was captured on CCTV was an intoxicated young man doing something that was entirely bizarre really, to your credit you have obviously come to the realisation that you can’t drink alcohol,” he said.

“Coming to that realisation as a 20 year old is a mature thing to do.”

Afoa pleaded guilty to one count of attempted arson.

He was sentenced to two years’ probation, and the 18 days spent in pre-sentence custody was declared as time served.

“I’m giving you a chance, what you do with that chance is up to you,” Judge Horneman-Wren said.

Originally published as Tara man, Peteli John Afoa, faces Dalby District Court for ‘bizarre’ arson attempt on cop cars