Central Queensland mine worker facing rape charge granted bail

A 50-year-old Central Queensland mine worker charged with rape has been granted bail, but cannot enter the town where his alleged victim lives.

Queensland Police Service. Generic image.

A Central Queensland mine worker facing a rape charge has been granted bail with a condition he not enter the town where the alleged female victim resides.

The 50-year-old, who cannot be named, appeared in custody in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Tuesday, December 28, where he made a bail application.

The man is charged with one count of rape (domestic violence offence).

The alleged incident, for which the accused was not required to enter a plea, is alleged to have occurred on December 23 in the Gladstone region.

Before the bail application was heard, Acting Magistrate Ron Muirhead noted the charge of rape would have to go to a committal date, he ordered briefs be prepared, and adjourned the matter to February 28 in Gladstone Magistrates Court.

Solicitor Rio Ramos told the court that the accused man had a permanent job in the mining industry in Central Queensland.

“In terms of the charges before the court, he’s still seeking to get legal representation to try and keep his job,” Ms Ramos said.

“If he was remanded in custody that would absolutely destroy his career and also his mortgage.”

Ms Ramos said if granted bail, the man was prepared to reside at the mining camp where he worked and not return to Gladstone.

Mr Muirhead asked Ms Ramos if the man was allowed to stay at the mining camp on his “off days.”

“He’s instructed me that he has also, other friends in (the town) that he can reside with,” Ms Ramos said.

“Perhaps he could advise the officer-in-charge of Gladstone his residential address in (the town) on his off days.”

The prosecution objected to bail.

Police prosecutor Clancy Fox asked if Mr Muirhead was minded to grant bail, that a condition be the man not attend Gladstone unless for purposes connected with court appearances.

Mr Muirhead granted bail with conditions.

Those conditions included that the man appear in court when required and he live at the mining camp.

“If you want to live somewhere else, you’ve got to first get permission from the police at Gladstone,” Mr Muirhead said.   

Mr Muirhead also ordered the man have no contact with the alleged victim, and as part of bail, he not enter Gladstone, except to attend court or with written consent from police.

Originally published as Central Queensland mine worker facing rape charge granted bail