Residents of Cairns faced a range of charges as they appeared before the local Magistrates Court on Thursday, January 8. The day's proceedings highlighted a variety of alleged offences, from serious assaults to traffic violations and theft.
Serious Assault and Property Damage Allegations
Among the more serious matters was the case of Kane Anthony O'Reilly, a 32-year-old man from Manoora. O'Reilly faced charges of assault occasioning bodily harm and wilful damage of property. The court heard the allegations stem from an incident that occurred on December 31. The case was adjourned, with O'Reilly's bail continued until a later date.
Another defendant, Kane William O'Reilly (note: same first and last names, different middle name), aged 30 and also from Manoora, appeared on a charge of common assault. His matter relates to an alleged event on December 27. Similarly, his case was adjourned with bail continued.
Driving and Traffic Offences Before the Bench
Several individuals faced consequences for alleged driving offences. Jye Ronald James O'Leary, a 23-year-old from Westcourt, was charged with driving without a licence. The court heard this offence was allegedly committed on December 28. O'Leary pleaded guilty and was fined $400. No conviction was recorded.
In a separate traffic matter, Kane Anthony O'Reilly (the 32-year-old from the assault case) also faced an additional charge of driving without a licence. This charge was adjourned to be heard alongside his other matters at a future date.
Theft and Other Charges
The court also dealt with allegations of theft. Shane Anthony Graham, a 40-year-old man from Manunda, appeared on a charge of stealing. The details of the alleged theft were not disclosed in the court list. Graham's case was adjourned, and he was granted bail to appear at a later hearing.
Another matter involved unlawful possession of suspected stolen property. The defendant in this case was Shane Anthony Graham (the same individual as above), indicating the charges may be related. This charge was also adjourned.
Jarrod Leigh O'Brien, a 34-year-old from Manoora, faced a single charge. The nature of this charge was not specified in the published court list. His matter was adjourned as well.
The outcomes for these adjourned cases will be determined in future sittings of the Cairns Magistrates Court. The proceedings underscore the daily work of the local judiciary in addressing a spectrum of legal matters within the community.
