Robert was likely trying a camera he’d been gifted
‘An infectious smile that you could feel in your heart’
THE 75-year-old man police allege was a victim of an assault at Toowoomba has been identified as well-known photographer Robert Brown.
Mr Brown was waiting at a taxi rank at the Grand Central Shopping Centre in Toowoomba on Monday evening when he was pushed to the ground from behind and his backpack stolen.
He suffered serious head and neck injuries, with police saying his injuries were “not survivable”.
Photographic Society of Queensland vice-president Tryg Helander said Mr Brown was a “longstanding” and “stalwart” member of the Toowoomba Photographic Society.
“Robert was a unique storytelling photographer that captured many events and notable happenings around the region. Of note, was his many prints of the growth of Grand Central, his happy hunting ground, ironically,” he said.
“Robert had an infectious smile that you could feel in your heart; his enthusiasm for photography was inspiring,
“Recently gifted a new camera by members of TPS, I am sure Robert was out shooting when this [incident] occurred. Photography was his deepest passion.
“We will collectively miss your humble nature, your creativity and that wonderful smile.”
Mr Brown had been awarded life membership of the Toowoomba Photographic Society.
Mr Helander said the “softly spoken” Mr Brown was always a “smiling face in the city”. “We would all look forward to our time with Robert – we are all aching inside,” he said.
Police claim the alleged offender climbed into a stolen car with the backpack and fled the scene. The car was tracked and intercepted several hours later, with police using road spikes to stop it.
Two teens from the car fled into bushland but were found by the dog squad.
One of the teens, Isaac Zane Cubby, 18, has appeared in court charged with one count of grievous bodily harm, robbery using personal violence, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, namely stealing. He was remanded in custody.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Police later arrested another three teens, a 17-yearold charged with armed robbery with violence, grievous bodily harm and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, a 16year-old boy who has been charged with armed robbery and grievous bodily harm and a 15-year-old boy who has been charged with burglary, enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, namely stealing, stealing and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
Detective Inspector Heath McQueen said on Tuesday the man was minding his own business when set upon. “His injuries are critical … we’ve been advised it’s highly likely (they’re) not survivable.”