Geoffrey Kunne accused of arson, police assault during Toowoomba siege set for Mental Health Court

The 59-year-old is accused of setting fire to his own home during an alleged five-hour siege in Toowoomba. Here’s the latest.

Tactical officers from the Queensland Police Special Emergency Response Team at the scene of a South Toowoomba home during a five-hour stand-off. Photo: Jarrard Potter.

A 59-year-old man accused of holding police at bay during a five-hour siege at his Toowoomba home is to appear before the Mental Health Court.

Geoffrey Kunne has been held in custody since his arrest after the July 24, 2022, incident and was not required to be in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Friday, November 24, when his case was mentioned.

Mr Kunne is accused of setting his house on fire and spraying a police officer with bleach during the tense five-hour standoff at his Ruthven St home.

Tactical officers from the Queensland Police Special Emergency Response Team gain entry to a South Toowoomba home during a five-hour stand-off. Photo: Jarrard Potter.

The siege came to an end when police Public Safety Response Team officers stormed the house.

Mr Kunne has not as yet been required to enter pleas to 12 charges which include five counts of acts intended to resist lawful arrest, arson of structure or building, obstructing police, possessing dangerous drugs and utensils, serious assault of police and assault police.

His solicitor Brad Skuse, of Skuse Graham Lawyers, told the court on Friday that his client had been referred by the Chief Psychiatrist to the Mental Health Court and that he had a hearing in that court scheduled for February 26.

Mr Skuse asked that his client’s case be adjourned to a date after that.

Magistrate Kay Ryan therefore remanded Mr Kunne in custody and adjourned his case for mention back in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on March 8, 2024.