Rice faces court after grisly arrest
A TOWNSVILLE man described by police as “an extremely dangerous and violent offender” has fronted court the day after an officer lost part of two fingers during his arrest.
Kasie Richard Clifford Rice faced 18 charges in the Townsville Magistrates Court yesterday morning including three counts of serious assault of a police officer, assault occasioning bodily harm, wilful damage, three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offences.
Rice was arrested by police at 1.50pm on Tuesday at Riverway Drive, Kelso, during which it will be alleged his car rammed into a police vehicle, crushing the police officer’s hand between the two vehicles, causing him to lose the tips of two fingers.
The 29- year- old was escorted to the courtroom from the cells by three police officers with another three present in the room while his matter was being heard.
Court proceedings were kept brief as defence lawyer Mathai Joshi said his client would not be applying for bail, noting Rice was on a return- to- prison warrant.
Police prosecutor Mark Fenlon said given Rice’s criminal history the charges may end up being heard in the District Court.
Several family members shouted out messages of love to Rice as he was being escorted back to the cells.
Outside court, his mother gave no comment but his sister turned the onus of responsibility back on her brother and the judicial system.
“We ( Rice’s family) are not the ones committing the crimes,” she said.
On Tuesday, Townsville police superintendent Steve Munro said it was the police’s role to put people before the courts and it was up to the courts and corrections to determine when they let offenders to be placed back in the community.
“( Rice) is an extremely dangerous and violent offender,” Supt Munro said.
A QPS spokesman confirmed the tips of the injured officer’s fingers could not be saved but revealed the 45year- old senior constable still managed to complete his role in detaining Rice before seeking medical treatment.
“His injuries include the loss of the tips of his pointer and middle fingers above the top joint – as well as a crush injury to the top of his ring finger,” the spokesman said.
“He is in good spirits and has immediate support from his partner, family and work colleagues.”
Prior to his arrest, Rice was on a three- year parole period after pleading guilty to offences including assault occasioning bodily harm and armed robbery in May.
He was wanted on a return- to- prison warrant for allegedly breaching his parole by removing a GPS tracking bracelet from his ankle.
Rice is due to face court next on July 25.