Accused Collinsville shooter applies for bail

The man is facing attempted murder charges after he allegedly shot another man in the abdomen with a gun

A COLLINSVILLE man accused of shooting another man in the stomach has been granted bail after lengthy negotiations in court.

Jacob Eric Beauchamp, 26, appeared via video link in the Bowen Magistrates Court today after being charged on May 30 with a string of offences.

Mr Beauchamp was charged with attempted murder, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, receiving tainted property, unlawful possession of a weapon used to commit an indictable offence, possession of dangerous drugs (cannabis) and possession of drug utensils.

Police allege three men arrived at a home on Bowen Developmental Rd in Collinsville, on May 30, where Mr Beauchamp resided when a verbal altercation occurred.

Mr Beauchamp is accused of then shooting one of the men in the abdomen.

Police prosecutor sergeant Emma Myors told the court that police had been provided with four options regarding where Mr Beauchamp could reside if bail was approved - three locations in Collinsville and one in Mackay.

She said of the four options, the only location deemed suitable by police for Mr Beauchamp to reside was with his aunt in Mackay.

However, Sgt Myors said police opposed any form of bail application being approved due to the serious nature of the alleged offences.

Defence solicitor Leah McDonnell told the court that Mr Beauchamp did not pose any risks to the community and would "have meaning and contribute to society" by continuing to work at his family's business if allowed to undertake bail in Collinsville.

Ms McDonnell said the facts of the case appeared to change since Mr Beauchamp's initial court appearance in Proserpine Magistrates Court last week, and police now claimed that the three men allegedly were not looking for Mr Beauchamp, but another individual.

"There would be no fear of him reoffending, if he remained in Collinsville he would be able to have family support and continue to work," she said.

"He has no personal rift with the alleged trespassers and many family members would have him reside with them.

"We would prefer one of the Collinsville options as this will allow him to continue to work, but his aunt in Mackay has said she would financially support him if he resided there."

Magistrate James Morton told the court that Mr Beauchamp had limited criminal history, but his prior convictions, including a 2015 weapons charge, were relevant to the matters before the court.

He said he would not consider any bail application that allowed Mr Beauchamp to reside in Collinsville.

"I am very concerned, with good reason, that Collinsville would not be the right place for you right now Mr Beauchamp," Mr Morton said.

"I understand that you being in Mackay will limit your ability to work, but your aunt has said she would make arrangements for you, and the court has heard you will look for casual work."

Mr Morton granted Mr Beauchamp bail with strict conditions that included not going to Collinsville and placed him under curfew.

Mr Beauchamp will appear in Bowen Magistrates Court on September 1 for a committal hearing.

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