Skippers’ boat crash cases both adjourned until next month
TWO lawyered-up captains, allegedly both responsible for a collision involving their recreational fishing boats near the Lucinda Sugar Wharf, have had their respective first days in court.
First to appear in the Ingham Magistrates Court last week was Ingham man Luke Milton Johnson, supported by father John, owner of well-regarded Hinchinbrook boating business J&B Marine.
Johnson spoke only three words during his brief appearance on two counts of contravening the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act without reasonable excuse.
Defence lawyer Ross Vecchio, of Townsville-based Rapid Legal Solutions, successfully sought to have the matter adjourned until December 10, but gave no indication as to whether the charges would be contested.
Magistrate Scott Luxton told Johnson he was required to sign a bail document and his appearance was required on December 10, asking him if he understood.
“Yes, Your Honour,” he replied before walking from the dock.
Lawyer Darren Robinson, of Spina Kyle Waldon, appeared on behalf of the second accused, Cairns man Bradley Mark Green, who was originally expected to appear via telephone.
Green has been charged with one count of the same offence.
Mr Robinson also sought to adjourn the matter to December 10, telling Mr Luxton he had only just taken carriage of the case and would be requesting a transcript of his client’s formal interview with Townsville Water Police investigators.
He said it would be ideal to keep both cases together, even though the pair were not charged conjointly.
Magistrate Luxton clarified that the separate charges arose out of the same incident, described by Mr Robinson as a “head-on collision”.
Seven people were left injured, two badly, as a result of the highspeed impact just after midnight on Saturday, August 2.