Croc skull part of haul

Fence crash leads to search and charges

A 21-YEAR-OLD man, who was allegedly found with more than $27,500 cash, drugs and a crocodile skull after he was involved in a traffic crash at an Earlville school, has been released on bail.

Kane Anthony Bowen appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court while in custody yesterday, facing charges of failing to provide a specimen of breath for analysis, unlicensed driving, possession of a dangerous drug, possession of drug utensils, possession of tainted property and unauthorised possession of a protected animal.

He was arrested and charged on Saturday after police were called to our Lady Help of Christians School in Balaclava Rd at about 6.20am following reports that a utility had collided with a fence before driving off. Uniformed first-response officers made inquiries before travelling to an address in Cavendish St where they located the utility in the back yard.

The officers then spoke to a number of people in the dwelling and a search was conducted.

Cannabis, drug utensils, a crocodile skull and more than $27,500 in cash were allegedly located and seized as a result.

Legal Aid Queensland duty solicitor Linda Cho told the court charges in relation to police searching Mr Bowen’s house would be disputed.

“The facts are disputed as they are before your honour today,” she said.

“The money does not belong to Mr Bowen.”

Ms Cho said there were about five other people in the house at the time of the police search.

The court heard that Mr Bowen was on bail for drug trafficking charges at the time of offending. As a result, he appeared before the court in a show cause position.

Mr Cho said Mr Bowen worked full-time and was the sole provider for he and his partner, who is currently pregnant. She said he was attending ATODS and was “not at risk of failing to appear”.

Magistrate Pearson granted Bowen bail on the condition that he must report to police.

“If you do one wrong thing after today ... you will be sent to Lotus Glen Correctional Centre for at least 12 months,” she said. Bowen will reappear in the court later this month.

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