David Timothy Daniels, 44, sentenced in Cairns Magistrate Court

A 44-year-old prospector who travelled to Cairns to sell precious gems ended up on a four-month drunken rampage through the CBD after his rocks were stolen, a court has heard.

A precious gem prospector down on his luck has subjected the Cairns CBD, police, and residents to his rage after he claims his rocks were stolen from him.

A 44-year-old prospector who travelled to Cairns to sell precious gems ended up on a four-month drunken rampage through the CBD after his rocks were stolen, a court has heard.

David Timothy Daniels pleaded guilty to 29 charges on June 23, including wilful damage, public nuisance, possession of dangerous drugs, assaulting police officers and threatening violence.

Police prosecutor Fernanda Astolfo told the court that Daniels’ crime spree began on January 10 while he was living at a hostel.

CCTV captured him involved in multiple street fights and damaging property around the CBD, including causing more than $1500 damage to the Queensland Health building by smashing glass panels.

Ms Astolfo detailed how Daniels repeatedly confronted police officers, calling them “f-----g pigs” and “bull-rushing” an officer on February 28 when approached about a banning notice.

In separate incidents, he entered the Cairns police station where he threw milk on the floor and broke two glass windows.

On another occasion, he threatened police with a brick in an effort to force them to arrest him.

Members of the public were also targeted during his rampage.

Two teenage girls were threatened after he saw them in front of their residence, with Daniels saying, “I know your address, I will come and stab you and kill you”.

He attempted to enter their dwelling, leaving the girls “very scared and physically shaking”, Ms Astolfo said.

Daniels also damaged an ambulance after approaching two workers and told a female police officer, “I thought you were going to flick us your knickers”, before damaging the camera inside a police vehicle.

His lawyer, Oliviero Bolli, acknowledged that Daniels’ behaviour was menacing and a nuisance but argued it indicated he was “in crisis” and “requiring help”, with his attempts to force arrest reflecting his deteriorating mental state.

Mr Bolli said Daniels was effectively homeless, having travelled from Sapphire Central in Central Queensland where he worked as a hobby prospector.

His property, including his gemstones, had been stolen from the hostel.

The lawyer said Daniels intended to return to Sapphire Central where he had a prospecting plot and accommodation, adding this “would be possibly doing the people of Cairns a favour”.

Daniels had completed a court link program, which Magistrate James Morton called a positive first step.

The matter was adjourned for sentencing, with Daniels remanded in custody.

Originally published as David Timothy Daniels, 44, sentenced in Cairns Magistrate Court