Accused croc killer to wait on entering plea
A WOREE man charged with capturing and killing a large crocodile in a Deeral creek is yet to enter a plea to the allegation.
Errol Copley, 69, was allegedly caught on camera last month using a utility to drag the dead 3m animal from Sorenson Creek.
Police then allegedly found the remains on a property he owns nearby.
They have alleged he used a trap to catch it, which was found by wildlife officers on January 18.
Staff from Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol set-up surveillance of the area and vision allegedly shows Mr Copley at the creek and removing the crocodile carcass from the trap at 12.30pm on that day.
Detectives searched the residence where they allegedly found the crocodile carcass.
Mr Copley did not want to comment outside Cairns Magistrates Court where he appeared for the first time yesterday charged with taking a protected animal.
His solicitor Martin Wright asked for the case to be adjourned for two weeks. The matter will return to court on Watch the video online at February 21. If found guilty Mr Copley faces a maximum fine of more than $28,000.
In an unrelated crocodile matter, rangers are continuing to try to catch a large 4m animal in a White Rock creek.
A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said officers had carried out surveys and installed a trap and warning signs at Chinaman’s Creek after receiving a report of a 4m reptile allegedly caught on a hook. It managed to get free and has not been seen since.
“Following potential trauma this crocodile may have sustained when it was allegedly caught on the hook, it is possible the animal is now extra wary or has moved on from the area entirely,” the spokeswoman said. “It is also possible any injuries sustained by this crocodile as a result of the alleged incident may have been fatal.”
Residents are being warned to stay away. The animal has been declared a problem crocodile.