No bail for riot victim’s brother
Blazer Bear has kids fired up
THE brother of a man allegedly murdered in a “vehicular homicide” during last month’s riot at Aurukun has fled Cape York in fear and since been arrested for public nuisance in Cairns.
Eric Wolmby and his young family left Aurukun amid the violence which erupted on November 21, leaving his brother dead and the community in lockdown.
In doing so, Wolmby missed a court appearance for unrelated matters and on Monday night was arrested after yelling profanities and acting aggressively at a Manunda unit complex.
He appeared yesterday in the Cairns Magistrates Court where he was remanded in custody, despite pleading guilty to public nuisance and failing to appear.
The 30-year-old, who is on parole over his involvement in the major Aurukun riot in 2013, is also facing charges of obstructing police.
Magistrate Joe Pinder denied him bail despite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service solicitor Kelly Goodwin offering the recent riots as an excuse for his failure to appear.
“My client states that his brother was tragically involved in that incident in Aurukun where he passed away,” Mr Goodwin said.
“He has essentially left Aurukun because he was in fear of his own safety and he wanted CHARGED: Accused killer Russell James Woolla. to get him and his partner away from that violent environment.
“This is why he has essentially relocated to Cairns and not appeared in court on that occasion.”
A 30-year-old man was struck down and killed by a car during a chaotic night of gunfire and rioting which broke out at Aurukun last month.
Tensions had erupted between groups in the mostly indigenous township, with a police car shot at and another car torched.
One Aurukun local told how the town remained on edge for days after the shooting and alleged “vehicular homicide”.
Russell James Woolla, 43, was charged with murder after allegedly running down the victim, believed to be the grandson of the late Wik leader John Koowarta.
Mr Woolla’s matter has been adjourned until February, while Wolmby, who was fined $200 for his public nuisance, will reappear on the obstruct police charges in January. CHRISTMAS has been brightened for youngsters in the Cairns Hospital children’s ward, with patients receiving a visit from local firefighters and mascot Blazer Bear.
Jahziah Addo, 4, is recovering from an operation to repair tendons in his hand after accidentally throwing it in the way of a ceiling fan during a game of hide and seek.
But after seeing firefighters and Blazer Bear at the Cairns Hospital playground yesterday, the woes of his operation and hand seemed non-existent.
His mother, Renee Oberleuter, said Jahziah had been fitted with a specialist cast to allow him to move his fingers without tightening or moving the repaired tendons.
“He’s been bored, and he can’t wait to get home to his brother and sisters – so it was good to have the firefighters come down to take his mind off his hand until he can see the doctors,” she said.
Cairns Fire station officer Shane O’Connor said the visit was important in teaching children about the role of emergency services staff.
“We want to teach that they don’t have to be scared of firemen, or policemen, or ambulance officers – because we’re here to build relationships.”
The visit followed an appearance by Cairns Taipans players on Monday.