A man accused of participating in a home invasion west of Brisbane, during which the homeowner was allegedly shot at while trying to escape, has been denied bail.
Police were called to a rural property in Purga, within the Ipswich area, around 4:35pm on Monday.
The area was locked down as specialist officers engaged with a group for over five hours.
Three individuals were arrested: 34-year-old Nikolaus Alexander Blyton from Nerang, 32-year-old Angus Gerald Roeton from Kensington Grove, and 29-year-old Grace Kelly Minchinton from Willow Vale.
Each has been charged with two counts of entering a property with intent to commit an indictable offence, and one count each of serious assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possession of explosives without authority, and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm.
Mr Blyton appeared in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday to apply for bail.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Matt Donaldson described the charges as “extremely serious,” alleging that the three co-accused entered the victim’s property without permission and were confronted when the homeowner returned.
According to Senior Constable Donaldson, the homeowner was allegedly shot at by at least one of the accused as he attempted to flee.
He also noted that while Mr Blyton’s exact role in the incident remained unclear, his clothing was being examined for traces of gunshot residue.
“The defendant was found less than one kilometre from where the initial event took place,” he said, adding that investigators had recovered balaclavas and ammunition casings at the scene.
Mr Blyton’s lawyer, Thirushka Naidoo, told the court he denies involvement and plans to challenge the charges, arguing the evidence is largely circumstantial and that he could comply with strict bail terms.
However, Magistrate Grace Kahlert denied bail and ordered that Mr Blyton remain in custody. His case is scheduled for a committal mention in mid-June.
Duty lawyer Matthew Fairclough, representing Ms Minchinton, chose not to seek bail at this stage and asked for her matter to also be adjourned to mid-June. He told the court she had been hospitalized after the incident but is now in custody.
Mr Roeton’s matter was briefly addressed in court on Tuesday and was likewise adjourned until mid-June.
Police confirmed that the homeowner was not injured during the incident and escaped safely.
