Drunken man pocketed EFTPOS machine
INTOXICATED and pinned on the ground by security in front of the Mad Cow, Dene Andrew Cheeseman had an unusual object stashed away in one of his pockets.
Townsville Police were conducting patrols of Townsville’s Drink Safe precinct at 12.20am on January 7 when they came across the 23-year-old. He’d just been evicted from the Mad Cow and allegedly became violent with a security guard.
A search by police officers of his left shoulder pocket revealed an EFTPOS machine he pilfered from nearby Molly Malones Irish Pub earlier that evening.
Cheeseman (pictured) pleaded guilty to charges of commit public nuisance within the vicinity of licensed premises and possessing tainted property.
Given his high level of intoxication, he remembered little of the night but accepted responsibility for his misbehaviour.
Recognising his young age, stable employment and lack of criminal history, Magistrate Cathy Wadley sentenced him to a $300 recognisance order (under which he must not reoffend), operational for six months with no conviction recorded.
WOMEN are being encouraged to soar to new heights this International Women’s Day as one Townsville business looks to challenge the status quo of the aviation industry.
Aviatrix Australia, in partnership with Townsville Helicopters and Townsville Flight Training, will host an open day on Sunday to introduce the
next generation of female aviators to the industry.
Women’s participation in the sector is low with just over 7 per cent of civilian pilots female and only six female helicopter flight instructors in Australia.
Pilot Georgie Arnold said she had wanted to fly from a young age.
“I got the opportunity to grow up in aviation so I knew it was something I
could do, but other women don’t get to see that every day,” she said.
“It was hard when studying when I was one of the only female students among 15, it would’ve been nice to have a gal pal, but I was always supported by the instructors.”
At the other end of the spectrum, operations manager and pilot Naomi Mowbray had zero experience or background in aviation.
“Along the journey I’ve felt totally championed by all the instructors,” she said. “I don’t think ... there’s any segregation, it is a family and we all get to work together and it’s really fun seeing more females come in.”
Held from 10.30am-3.30pm, the event will include discounted joy flights, free aeroplane flight simulations, displays, food trucks and career advice.
QBD Books at Stocklands will host another footy legend this weekend.
Rugby league immortal Wally Lewis will have a meet and greet with fans during his book signing outside QBD on Saturday from 10am.
Launched last month, My Life: Wally Lewis recorded significant pre-sale numbers with 16,000 copies sold prior to its launch date.
The autobiography coincides with the 40th anniversary of the first State of Origin match and is a deeply personal look back on a celebrated but challenging life.
The King said the book included first-hand accounts about the early years of State of Origin and memorable Kangaroo tours.
“If this book was a footy match it would have all the intensity of a State of Origin decider,” Wally said.
“(Co-writer) Steve (Haddan) and I wanted to make sure the telling of my story would be every bit as entertaining for fans as my time on the field.
“What I quickly learnt from my parents at a young age was that dreams don’t become a reality through magic, you have to roll up your sleeves and work at it.”
Anyone approaching the author must be wearing a mask and sanitise their hands while queues may be capped.