Alleged Walkerston gunman Richard Alan Harvey applies for bail in Mackay court

A father-of-four accused of a country pub shooting during an alleged carjacking gone wrong has made a bid for freedom in the face of a ‘strong’ police case against him.

Richard Alan Harvey is charged with attempted armed robbery, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed and possession of a knife in a public place. Picture: Contributed

The man accused of shooting another man in an alleged carjacking gone wrong outside a Walkerston pub has applied for bail.

Richard Alan Harvey’s black eye was darkening to a reddish hue as he appeared in prison greens via videolink in Mackay Magistrates Court on September 8.

The father-of-four was in a show cause position when he applied for bail, meaning he needed to show the court he would not pose an unacceptable risk of re-offending.

In his application, defence lawyer Rosemary Varley highlighted the fact Mr Harvey had “no history of violence” and a “limited criminal history”.

Richard Alan Harvey appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court seeking bail. Picture: Facebook Walkerston gunman O'Shea's pub

The court heard Mr Harvey had four children, two boys to a previous partner and two boys to his current partner who he had been married to for nine years.

Ms Varley said her client was the sole provider for his children and was employed as an electrician.

In the application, Ms Varley made assurances Mr Harvey could live at his mother’s home in Mackay and would avoid the “Walkerston township” and O’Shea’s hotel where the alleged incident happened.

She submitted Mr Harvey could undergo drug and alcohol testing, and regular reporting to police.

But she also acknowledged the strength of the prosecution’s case because of the evidence from CCTV and witnesses.

In his decision, Magistrate Damien Dwyer acknowledged it was a very serious offence.

Mr Harvey has been charged with attempted armed robbery, assault occasioning bodily harm and possession of a knife in a public place.

“A concerning aspect is that you took a gun to the scene of the robbery,” Mr Dwyer said.

He said this indicated there was some planning involved.

“Not only did you try and steal a car from a person, but you threatened that person with a gun and indeed you discharged that gun a number of times, hitting at least one person,” Mr Dwyer said.

“The evidence against you is very, very strong.”

Mr Dwyer rejected Mr Harvey’s application for bail.

Originally published as Alleged Walkerston gunman Richard Alan Harvey applies for bail in Mackay court