Clive Robert Peckett jailed for Gracemere siege, central QLD house fire

A man who carried out a wild siege at a Central Queensland home, which left his mother injured and a garage and car destroyed by fire, was enraged when he thought a family member stole $3000 from him.

A chainsaw-wielding arsonist who rampaged through a Central Queensland house during a five-hour siege had his rage sparked by a belief his mother stole $3000 from him.

Clive Robert Peckett threatened police officers with an activated chainsaw, set fire to a garage and destroyed a ute parked inside, injured his mother and ignored police negotiators during the siege at a Gracemere residence on March 19, 2022.

Strong lights powered by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ generators were placed on top of a shipping container and facing into the backyard of the Kirsten Close home, as bystanders stood in the surrounding streets and watched as emergency services attempted to calm down Peckett.

Smoke from the garage fire could be seen from blocks away due to the bright lights.

Scene of a siege and house fire in Kirsten Close, Gracemere, on March 19, 2022.

The 42 year old pleaded guilty on January 30 in Rockhampton District Court to one count of arson (structure), two of assaulting police while armed, one of obstructing police and one of wilful damage.

Crown prosecutor Maryam Yousufzai told the court the incident started with Peckett accusing his mother of stealing his money, throwing a bottle at a television and smashing its screen.

She said Peckett threw a cordless phone at a wall, which left a hole in the wall, and ripped plants out of the front garden.

Ms Yousufzai said Peckett’s father intervened when his son threatened to smash a laptop.

A struggle between the trio resulted in Peckett’s mother hitting her face on the ground.

Neighbours called police about 6.45pm, due to the commotion.

When the first two officers arrived, Peckett approached them armed with the running chainsaw, which caused them to retreat and call for back-up.

Peckett rampaged through the house and backyard, swearing and yelling.

Scene of a siege and house fire in Kirsten Close, Gracemere, on March 19, 2022.

Police climbed ladders and sat on neighbouring rooftops while trying to negotiate with the former racehorse trainer.

Ms Yousufzai said Peckett at one point used the chainsaw to cut through a door, and was seen walking through the backyard and into the house carrying a jerry can while telling police to shoot him.

He also set fire to the garage, destroying it and his father’s 2015 Nissan X-Trail.

Police gained access to the backyard about 11pm and arrested Peckett.

Scene of a siege and house fire in Kirsten Close, Gracemere, on March 19, 2022.

Ms Yousufzai said Peckett’s criminal record included harassing/menacing calls to former employers, telling one “I’ll put you in a loose grave, you c---” and another “you are f---ing dead c---”.

He also told a cattle property owner, “it’s going to be a big fire season for those that don’t pay their bills”.

Ms Yousufzai said Peckett had also been convicted for assault occasioning bodily harm after punching his 65-year-old neighbour in the face while holding a cricket bat, when the man came to Peckett’s father’s aid.

Defence barrister Maree Willey said Peckett, who had been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 2005, was living with his parents following his marriage breakdown and had not taken his medication for two days before drinking alcohol the day of the siege.

Scene of a siege and house fire in Kirsten Close, Gracemere, on March 19, 2022.

She said he was running his own business as a racehorse trainer before the diagnosis, and was struggling with mood swings and financial stress due to non-payments by clients.

He worked as a welder before the siege after losing job as a truck driver when he lost his licence.

Ms Willey said Peckett’s parents were in court in support and had arranged for him to live in a cabin at a caravan park when he was released from jail.

Judge Jeff Clarke sentenced Peckett to three years’ jail, with immediate parole. A total of 317 days in pre-sentence custody was declared as time served.

Scene of a siege and house fire in Kirsten Close, Gracemere, on March 19, 2022.

Originally published as Clive Robert Peckett jailed for Gracemere siege, central QLD house fire