Teen in court after Goomeri armed robbery as stolen motorbike burnt

A 17-year-old Cherbourg boy has been charged following an armed robbery in Goomeri, where a Brisbane man’s motorbike was stolen and later found burnt.

Elliot Bugler was allegedly held up at knifepoint before having his motorbike stolen. A teen has been charged in relation to the incident.

A 17-year-old Cherbourg boy has been charged in connection with an armed robbery that left a Brisbane man traumatised after his motorcycle was stolen in the Gympie region.

The Queensland Police Service confirmed the boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and appeared at Murgon Children’s Court on September 18.

Laura Vincent, the wife of alleged robbery victim Elliot Bugler, said she was informed three people had initially been arrested, though police have only charged one individual so far.

Elliot Bugler was held up at knifepoint before having his motorbike stolen.

The alleged robbery happened on August 23, 2024, when 46-year-old Mr Bugler was at the beginning of a solo motorbike ride across Australia.

What started as an adventure quickly turned into a nightmare during his first night camping behind the Shell Service Station in Goomeri.

Mr Bugler, who had planned and saved for the trip from Brisbane to Perth, was allegedly woken up around midnight by two masked men – one armed with a knife and the other with a screwdriver, at his campsite on McIvor Street.

Mr Bugler has alleged the men forced him back into his swag and threatened him at knifepoint, demanding the keys to his Honda African Twin.

People reported seeing the allegedly stolen bike being ridden around Cherbourg in the following days.

Despite his resistance, the men stole the keys and fled on his beloved 2017 Honda motorcycle, leaving him with minor injuries.

The stolen bike was reportedly seen in Cherbourg in the days following the robbery.

Mr Bugler’s cousin attempted to retrieve the bike but was reportedly chased out of town by locals.

A week later, the motorcycle was found burnt and destroyed, a devastating blow for Mr Bugler and his family.

“One of the hardest pills to swallow is the bike being woefully underinsured, with our policy having a market value of just $11,000, meaning we won’t be able to replace it. Similar bikes are now retailing for $22,000,” Ms Vincent said in the wake of the alleged robbery.

The remains of Elliot Bugler's bike after he was allegedly held up at knifepoint.

“The emotional and physical toll of the ordeal has left him struggling to focus on his business.

“Bikes are one of Elliot’s greatest passions and means of escape, and now that has been taken from him too,” she said.

Ms Vincent said the entire family, including their two children, Joel, 15, and Maya, 9, were “deeply distressed” by the incident.

The police continue to investigate the alleged armed robbery and urge anyone with information to contact them via Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Teen in court after Goomeri armed robbery as stolen motorbike burnt