Alibi ‘not rock solid’ but accused given bail

A TOOWOOMBA man charged with robbery and drug matters has been granted bail despite his solicitor conceding his client’s alibi was less than “rock solid”.

Victor Edward Protheroe claims he was in Crows Nest with a friend at the time police claim an associate of his was allegedly assaulted, tied up and robbed of his phone at a Toowoomba residence on December 22.

Protheroe, 34, had been held in custody since his arrest on the matters, but he claimed he had nothing to do with it and that he had an alibi.

His solicitor Nathan Bouchier said police had not been able to locate his client’s friend with whom Protheroe claimed he had been with at Crows Nest that day but his client had a “sort of alibi” but conceded it was not a rock solid alibi.

Mr Bouchier had earlier told the court that his client and the complainant man were known to each other but there had been bad blood between them.

The police claim the complainant had been invited around to the residence of a third man in Toowoomba on December 22.

The complainant claimed that when he walked into the residence he was set upon by two men and claimed one of those men was Protheroe who he claimed he had recognised by his voice and a unique tattoo on the back of the neck of one of the assailants.

The court heard a police search of Protheroe’s residence a week later had allegedly found the complainant’s stolen mobile phone in Protheroe’s bedroom.

However, Mr Bouchier argued that there had been four other adults at the residence at that time.

Mr Bouchier submitted his client would be contesting the charges which would have to go up to the District Court which would take some time to be dealt with.

His client could live with his partner who was in court supporting him and even offered to wear an ankle bracelet to be monitored if necessary, he said.

Magistrate Robbie Davies granted Protheroe bail on condition he reside with his partner in Rangeville, report to Toowoomba police three times a week and have no contact with the complainant.

The case was adjourned to March 9.