Toowoomba father Jasim Izdein sentenced for multicultural centre threats

A father’s frantic search for his missing daughter escalated when he threatened to burn himself and the building where his daughter was last seen.

Jasim Mousa Izdein, 49, appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 2 pleading guilty to threatening violence and obstructing police after attacking the Toowoomba Multicultural Centre on Snell St. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A distraught Toowoomba father threatened to torch himself and a multicultural centre after staff refused to reveal his daughter’s location, a court has been told.

Jasim Mousa Izdein, 49, appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 2 pleading guilty to threatening violence and obstructing police after attacking the Toowoomba Multicultural Centre on Snell St.

Police prosecutor Anita Page told the court Izdein had gone to the centre on November 22, 2024 in search of his 18-year-old daughter who had not been in contact for some time.

The centre staff advised Izdein they were unable to give her location as she was an adult, causing him to rage.

The father of eight, who spoke little English, began threatening to set fire to himself and the building, with the staff member inside.

Police were called to the scene at 2.15pm, where they advised Izdein he was under arrest.

“At this time the defendant has pulled a jet lighter out of his pocket and attempted to set himself on fire,” Ms Page said.

“Police quickly reacted and knocked the lighter out of his hand to gain control of both arms of the defendant.”

Defence solicitor Kate McIntyre advised Izdein moved to Australia from Iraq in 2018 after he was shot in his home country.

Ms McIntyre said Izdein had been working since arriving in Australia but was forced to leave employment due to serious physical health problems and mental health conditions arising from his time in Iraq.

“With regard to the offending, I’m instructed he was not aware of the whereabouts of his young daughter and this caused him great concern,” Ms McIntyre said.

“He is not aware of the Australian legal system and the fact that the youth care worker was unable legally to tell him the location of his daughter.

“The defendant, now having sought the relevant professional help, is in a completely different place mentally and is embarrassed at his behaviour.”

Ms McIntyre said Izdein had no prior criminal history nor had he offended following this incident.

Magistrate Kyna Morice acknowledged Izdein’s traumatic history but criticised his actions in front of centre staff.

“This was not the way to deal with that situation,” Ms Morice said.

“The people subject to and aware of these threats would have been incredibly scared.

“(That said), you have no criminal history and no offending since this incident over 12 months ago ... this is clearly out of character for you.”

Izdein was ordered to serve 60 hours of unpaid community service, to be completed in 12 months.