Courageous cops come to pups’ rescue
Potter fans get into character
THREE Coen police officers rescued two puppies from a submerged vehicle after a Cairns man allegedly tried to drive across a flooded causeway at Archer River.
The causeway was about 1m under water when Aaron Dew attempted to cross, allegedly ignoring road closed signs and flood markers.
Mr Dew, 31, was able to get out of his vehicle and swim to the northern side of the riverbut the five-week-old puppies were stranded on the bonnet.
Senior Constable Ben Lloyd waded into the fast flowing water at chest height to retrieve the stranded pups.
Mr Dew was later seen on the southern side of the river and told he was under arrest.
The Cairns Magistrates Court was told Mr Dew allegedly attempted to flee police by wading deeper into flood waters before jumping off the causeway into the river.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Amy Rennie said Sergeant David McCarthy and Senior Constable Carey Allen followed close behind rescuing the man from the swollen Archer River as there were concerns for his safety.
Snr Const. Rennie argued that Mr Dew had “shown no ability to comply with bail conditions in the past” while objecting to bail.
“It is my opinion he would just continue committing further offences,” Const. Rennie said.
Legal Aid Queensland solicitor Linda Cho argued her client had not thought the water was that deep.
“It is conceded that Mr Dew’s offending is getting serious in the fact that he is potentially harming and risking himself,” she said.
The court was told Mr Dew may contest the serious obstruct charge.
Magistrate Alan Comans rejected bail.
Mr Dew is charged with unlicensed driving, serious obstruction of police, driving uninsured and unregistered, driving without due care and attention, enter premises and commit, wilful damage and stealing on February 18 and 19. HARRY Potter fans donned their Hogwarts House colours in a competition fit for aspiring young witches and wizards in Cairns.
Earlville Library wrapped up its month-long Fantastic Beasts House Cup Competition yesterday by hosting an afternoon of activities.
The competition required children to complete a series of four challenges to win points for their chosen Hogwarts House – Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin.
Dane Torrisi, 6, was one of the keen participants who took part. His mother Vicky said he was a big Harry Potter fan.
“He had his little Gryffindor robe on and his wand and he absolutely loved it,” she said.
“It’s the first time we’ve been to something like this and it was really interactive – the kids loved it.”