Lonnie Michael Gwilliams loses lawyer ahead of child stealing charge in Mackay

A man facing a maximum penalty of seven years jail for an alleged child stealing if the case is proven pulled out a fistful of $50 notes in court after being told he would need a lawyer and warned they’re not cheap.

Gwilliams, Lonnie Michael is accused of one count of child stealing in Mackay in June 2024.

A man accused of a kidnapping has rebuffed the concerns of a Queensland magistrate who warned he would need a lawyer when facing such a serious charge.

Lonnie Michael Gwilliam appeared frustrated when he faced Mackay Magistrates Court on Wednesday, repeatedly saying the charge was “laughable” and dismissing concerns he would benefit hugely from legal representation.

“This is crazy, why is she even charging for this,” he said at the start of his matter.

“I went to the police station that night because I couldn’t find his mother.

“This is so laughable.”

“Well you can laugh all the way, but at the end of the day you’ve got seven years to think about,” retorted Magistrate Damien Dwyer, referencing the charge’s maximum penalty if the case was proven.

Gwilliams, Lonnie Michael has described his charge of child stealing as ‘laughable’.

Gwilliam is charged with one count of stealing a child under 16 years with intent to deprive the parent possession of the child, but has not yet entered pleas.

However Mr Dwyer made it clear that should Gwilliam plead not guilty and face trial, a solicitor would go a long way with the twelve jurors selected to decide his fate.

Nick Coughlan of Fisher Dore Lawyers appeared briefly to say the firm had received a Legal Aid grant for Gwilliam, but had to drop an application on his behalf after Gwilliam refused to give them a full bank statement.

“They wanted like a year’s worth of bank statements ... I just blacked out all my transactions, all these things they don’t need to know about,” Gwilliam said.

Gwilliams, Lonnie Michael is accused of one count of child stealing in Mackay in June 2024.

Mr Dwyer explained that Legal Aid grants require only three months of bank statements, which ensure the person receiving aid does not have assets above the income limit.

When warned of the high expense, Gwilliam retorted “I’ll give you the money now, know how much is it? I’ve got about $150 on me” as he rummaged in his cargo shorts pocket and produced three $50 notes.

Mr Dwyer gave one final warning that Gwilliam was “running a very real risk” of imprisonment if he goes on unrepresented, but Gwilliam appeared unbowed.

“It’s seven years jail, you’re being silly,” Mr Dwyer said.

“No, I’m being honest, Your Honour,” Gwilliam answered.

Gwilliam’s matters were adjourned to September 18 for committal mention and his bail enlarged.

Originally published as Lonnie Michael Gwilliams loses lawyer ahead of child stealing charge in Mackay