Prisoner to remain in jail

Man convicted of home invasion has appeal denied

AN ALCOHOLIC involved in a terrifying home invasion in Toowoomba four years ago has had a bid for freedom thrown out by the Supreme Court.

Cameron Robert Rhodes last Friday took the Queensland Parole Board to court over claims he was denied natural justice and procedural fairness when he was deemed not suitable for release.

The court heard Rhodes, jailed over an incident where he pointed a rifle in the face of a man and threatened to shoot him, was knocked back for parole due to his involvement in fights while behind bars.

He was sentenced to five years in jail for his actions.

The judgment handed down by the Supreme Court detailed how the 31-year-old was considered an alcoholic who drank a carton of beer or 1.4 litres of spirits a day prior to his arrest.

The court heard Rhodes had applied for parole on a number of occasions prior to his appeal, though the board cited a poor disciplinary record in jail for its reasoning to keep him behind bars.

“Mr Rhodes had been the perpetrator in 26 adverse incidents and had 10 breaches of discipline, many of which related to violence,” the judgment read.

Rhodes claimed his behaviour behind bars was impacted due to him being targeted, and that he had dissociated himself from the gang.

Rhodes also told parole officials he could not attend programs due to issues with other prisoners.

He was originally sentenced in the District Court in 2014 on burglary and armed robbery charges after he, and three coaccused, made off with a man’s money after pushing a gun in his face during a home invasion. Justice Greame Crow denied Rhodes’ application. He is due to be released in December 11, 2019.