Tobias Beitz in court for public nuisance, obstruct police during floods

In the midst of catastrophic flooding in Gympie in February, a 19-year-old man downed a bottle of tequila before trying to enter the evacuation centre. Find out what happened next.

A 19-year-old man caused a scene in the carpark of a Gympie flood evacuation centre during the February disaster, when he tried to drunkenly stumble into the centre and then ran from police.

Tobias Beitz pleaded guilty in Gympie Magistrates Court on Monday to a public nuisance charge and to obstructing a police officer.

The court heard the events took place during the Gympie floods on February 28, 2022, outside the Gympie Civic Centre in Mellor St.

The Civic Centre, which is normally a council entertainment venue, had been converted into an evacuation hub for residents displaced by the flooding.

Beitz, who was seen acting drunk and disorderly near the entrance of the centre, had downed an entire bottle of tequila, the court heard.

Tobias Beitz pleaded guilty to a public nuisance charge and obstructing a police officer. Photo: Facebook

Police prosecutor Michael Phillips said police were talking to people outside the Civic Centre at 5.22pm when Beitz was spotted.

Sgt Phillips said he was “unsteady on his feet” and swearing as he tried to enter the centre.

Police tried to move Beitz along, but he began to argue and swear at them.

“He further continued to swear in an offensive manner … he was heard saying ‘are you f---ing serious? f--- this sh--, man. This is your f---ing house, is it?’,” Sgt Phillips said.

Beitz then yelled “f--- you c---s” and was arrested in front of the centre, but ran towards the car park and was chased by police.

Once caught, he was taken to the Gympie watch house and released on bail.

Defence lawyer Laura Nightingale said her client had little recollection of what happened that day.

The Gympie Civic Centre (pictured) was transformed into an evacuation centre for displaced residents during the February floods.

She said Beitz was essentially “bored” with little to no family support around him.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan said Beitz’s public nuisance offence was arguably the worst of the charges.

“You behaved particularly badly in front of the evacuation centre, the persons who were there were probably distressed enough given the flooding event,” he said.

Mr Callaghan said the fact Beitz was drunk did not lessen the penalty, and that he “needed to be responsible for his actions”.

Beitz was placed on 12 months probation.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Tobias Beitz in court for public nuisance, obstruct police during floods