Head wound miracle
Cape York man survives spear passing through skull
A CAPE York man who shot himself through the head with a spear gun on New Year’s Day is in Cairns Hospital in a stable condition.
The 30-year-old had removed the loaded spear gun from another man and as he did so it accidentally discharged at a Hope Vale home.
The spear struck the floor and then ricocheted into his right temple with the spear exiting at the rear of his skull. A police spokeswoman said the man had been trying to intervene in an argument and had taken the spear gun from a 26-year-old, who was allegedly threatening another man at an Alec Cameron Dr home.
It is alleged the younger man went home and got the loaded spear gun about 3.30am following a verbal fight with the third man.
It is further alleged he returned to the Alec Cameron Dr home and continued to argue with the other man, which was when the 30-yearold tried to help.
He was taken to Cooktown Hospital and then later flown to Cairns for further treatment.
A Cairns Hospital spokeswoman yesterday confirmed he was in a stable condition and would not be discharged for some time.
Cooktown detectives charged the 26-year-old Hope Vale man with one count of going armed in public to cause fear.
He is scheduled to appear at the Cooktown Magistrates Court on January 9.
■ Another man, who is accused of bashing and raping a 35-year-old woman over Christmas and New Year, has been remanded in custody.
The woman received extensive bruising to her face, arms and body.
The 23-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged on Tuesday with one count each of rape, assault occasioning bodily harm, strangulation and contravention of a domestic violence order over the allegedly assault.
A person facing serious charges such as rape, attempted rape, assault with intent to commit rape and sexual assault cannot be named until the case has been committed to the higher court, and only then if it will not identify any complainants.
No bail application was made and the case was adjourned to Innisfail Magistrates Court for later this month.