Accused of trespass Claim man wore military uniform to access RAAF base

A MAN accused of donning military attire and trespassing at a military base in Townsville previously spent time behind bars after he bypassed strict border restrictions and snuck into the state amid the worst period of the coronavirus pandemic.

Peter Oldham, 29, faced the Townsville Magistrates Court via videolink from the watchhouse on Monday.

He is accused of breaching strict security measures at the Garbutt RAAF Base twice, donning a military uniform and stealing cars.

Police allege the 29-yearold trespassed on the base about 10pm on Friday and stole two sets of car keys as well as other items.

A statement from Queensland Police said he left the premises in a gold Volkswagen Golf but later returned to the military base and stole a gold Ford Fiesta.

He then further attempted to re-enter the base about 6am in a stolen vehicle but drove away when he was denied entry, it’s alleged.

Both vehicles were found dumped with officers recovering the Golf at The Strand about 2am and the Fiesta in a nearby industrial estate early the next day.

Oldham was arrested about 11am on Sunday after he entered the base a third time and was found driving a buggy around the facility, police said.

In court, he faced a string of 11 charges including trespassing on commonwealth land, entering a premises to commit an indictable offence and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He previously faced court in December last year, when he pleaded guilty to obstructing police, failing to comply with COVID-19 public health directions and public nuisance after he hitchhiked from Victoria across the Queensland border and into Townsville.

Police don’t know exactly when or where Oldham got into the state but found him half naked near The Ville Casino in September.

Oldham’s lawyer did not appear when his matter was briefly mentioned on Monday but Oldham indicated he would plead guilty to the charges against him.

Magistrate Peter Smid adjourned the matter for a long plea.

The matter will court on April 25. return to