Toowoomba photographer Robert Brown dies seven days after CBD attack

A 75-year-old man has died a week after he was allegedly attacked while waiting for a cab outside a shopping centre - a place where the keen photographer often went and ‘felt safest’.

Robert William Brown has died as result of injuries he suffered in a sickening alleged broad daylight robbery in the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD.

The 75-year-old Toowoomba man was waiting for a cab at the Margaret St taxi rank about 5.10pm on February 6 when he was allegedly pushed from behind, falling on the road and suffering a critical head injury.

Police allege it was Isaac Lane Cubby who had pushed Mr Brown over, just three weeks after Cubby’s 18th birthday.

Mr Brown was rushed to Toowoomba Hospital where remained on life support for a week.

He passed away on Monday.

Photographer Robert Brown died on Monday, a week after the alleged attack. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Photographic Society of Queensland vice-president Tryg Helander said the scene of his assault was ironically one of his favourite places to shoot.

“His happy hunting ground was around Grand Central, he used to be there every day,” he said.

“It was where he felt safest, that’s another reason why we’re so angry.”

Mr Helander compared Mr Brown to famed Australian photographer Max Dupain for his approach to the craft.

“He is an everyday photographer, he would always go out and shoot — he services our community, he showcased the notable goings on,” he said.

“Not only is he just a lovely human being, he helps the community — Robert’s photos are a genuine gift to the community.

“We have wonderful examples of his work, these photos are a really gem because they show the old Toowoomba”.

Robert Brown was a keen photographer.

Police arrested Cubby after he was found hiding in bushland north of Toowoomba at the close of a three-hour manhunt involving dozens of police, a Polair helicopter crew and the dog squad.

He has been charged with one count each of grievous bodily harm, robbery using personal violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling and commit.

He was remanded in custody after his matters were briefly mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Police have charged a further four young offenders in relation to this matter, two with grievous bodily harm.

Their charges are expected to be upgraded following Mr Brown’s death.