Aurukun rioter jailed

A FAR Northern man has been jailed for his role in the violent riots at Aurukun after the manslaughter of a family member.

Terrence Allan Wikmunea was found guilty of arson last week for burning a car following the death of Joshua Koowarta, who was struck and killed during a fair fight in November 2015.

Cairns District Court Judge Leanne Clare said the car was “attacked and completely destroyed in the middle of town” and described it as “malicious”. “It seems that what you wanted to do was to publicly … demonstrate power and punishment or revenge,” Judge Clare said.

“You actively participated in the lawlessness and the mayhem and were a regular contributor to the civil unrest during this whole period.”

Wikmunea had pleaded guilty to a series of aggressive and anti-social behaviour including mob violence, the use of weapons and an episode of dangerous driving.

He drove drunk at speeds of more than 200km/h before losing control and crashing.

The court heard that Wikmunea had lived in Aurukun his whole life.

“That then raises very clearly a prejudicial upbringing … (from) the entrenched dysfunction in your community,” Judge Clare said.

“But now you have become part of that problem.

“Your group took a shotgun and periodically fired. Some even shot into a police car. People in the group were taking turns with the gun for hours and it caused a lot of fear. It also inflamed the mob and ultimately there were serious consequences.”

Of the 23 offences before the court, committed between November 2015 and December 2017, 13 were while Wikmunea was on bail.

“You were undeterred by arrest, by release on bail, by time you spent on remand, or by your previous sentences,” Judge Clare said.

“You kept on offending until you were locked up.”

The court heard he also ran at a 62-year-old woman while holding a spear before punching her in the head.

“That seems to have been completely gratuitous,” Judge Clare said.

Wikmunea has already spent 576 days in custody.

“The persistence of your offences, the contempt that you have shown the law and authority and the terrible impact of your offending on the community of Aurukun generally … means that punishment and deterrence are particularly important aspects,” Judge Clare said.

Wikmunea was jailed for four and a half years with parole eligibility next September.

YOU KEPT ON OFFENDING UNTIL YOU WERE LOCKED UP JUDGE LEANNE CLARE