REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN

PROWLERS who had not had time to see The Gold Coast Bulletin the previous day ran the gauntlet of Cr Ron Holland and a 12-gauge shotgun.

Just two days earlier, Cr Holland told an Albert Shire Council meeting that he had bought a shotgun to protect his family and property.

He produced the gun at the council meeting and said he feared someone might attempt to break into his Florida Gardens store or residence.

The previous day, the Bulletin carried the story of Cr Holland and his gun on the front page.

But at 4.20am, while The Gold Coast Bulletin was still being delivered, Cr Holland was disturbed by an intruder.

Cr Holland and his family were sleeping on the lower floor of his Monaco St home opposite his store and post office.

“I was awakened from a sound sleep by a loud noise and without warning I yelled out ‘what was it?” he said.

“Nobody answered but I heard the sound of running feet alongside the house.

“I jumped out of bed and grabbed the loaded shotgun – the one I had shown at the council meeting about 12 hours previously – and went out of the house through the front door.”

Cr Holland said there was nobody in sight so he went back inside the house and dressed.

“I then crossed the road still carrying the shotgun to check the store and post office,” he said.

“A few minutes later while I was making a tour of the area I met the Bulletin delivery driver in his van.”