First accused looter in court, charged with stealing wheels
A Gold Coast man charged with looting flood-ravaged businesses during Queensland’s deadly natural disaster has appeared in court in Brisbane.
With climate change was affecting many parts of Australia, governments couldn't keep allowing homes to be built in harm's way, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. (Supplied image)
Dion Kingi Paul, 62, became the first person accused of looting during the natural disaster to face court on Friday.
The 62-year-old did not enter a plea in Brisbane Magistrates Court as the charge was adjourned for mention on April 6.
Paul was arrested at Rocklea on March 1 during the deluge that caused a damage bill amounting to billions of dollars and claimed 13 lives.
Thousands of homes and businesses were inundated as floodwaters left a trail of devastation across southeast Queensland.
Before the water had subsided, reports of looting resulted in police stepping up patrols.
Paul was arrested on Ipswich Road at Rocklea allegedly towing a trailer loaded with dozens of wheels and tyres stolen from Brisbane Auto Wreckers.
Outside court on Friday, he remained silent when asked about the charges and whether he had anything to say to the alleged looting victims.
