Officer shot at Arundel Tavern

myPolice QPS News
Police incident, Parkwood

Police are investigating an incident in which a male officer sustained a gunshot wound on the Gold Coast early this morning.
Initial information suggests officers responded to an armed robbery at a tavern on Napper Road, Parkwood at 1.20am.
The officer has been taken to the Gold Coast Hospital, and it is believed his injury is non-life-threatening.Two men are currently assisting police with their inquiries. They sustained minor injuries.

The officer who was shot has been identified as 33-year veteran police officer Sergeant Gary Hamrey, aged 50. He is believed to have been shot in the neck and suffering facial injuries. Police spokesman Steve Holland said, "The officer is OK. The injuries are not life threatening ... but we are still very concerned about him".

Photos: Top - Police at the scene of a shooting at the Arundel Tavern on the Gold Coast. Pic: Greg Stolz Source: CourierMail 
Bottom - Veteran dog squad officer Gary Hamrey. Pic: Wayne Jones

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Pair guilty over killing Gold Coast policeman Damian Leeding

A MAN and a woman have been found guilty of murdering Gold Coast detective Damian Leeding.

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A Supreme Court jury in Brisbane handed down the verdict on Monday over the shooting death of Senior Constable Leeding, 35, who was blasted in the face with a shotgun after he was called to an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern on May 29, 2011.

He died three days later in hospital.

Sen Const Leeding's family and friends in the court cried and some shouted ''yes'' when the guilty verdict was handed down for Phillip Graeme Abell and Donna Lee McAvoy.

Co-accused Benjamin Ernest Power, 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the start of the 11-day trial.

His plea was subject to a non-publication order for the rest of the trial to avoid prejudicing the jury.

Abell and McAvoy had pleaded not guilty to murder, but guilty to armed robbery and deprivation of liberty.

Abell refused to stand when Justice James Douglas asked him to after the verdict was announced.

He and McAvoy will be sentenced on Friday.

The detective's widow, Sonya Leeding, was too emotional and declined to speak to media.

His mother Julie Waters says the family is relieved.

''Justice has been finally served,'' she told reporters outside court.

''While nothing can bring Damian back, we are thankful the offenders have been held responsible for his death.''

Sen Const Leeding's father-in-law, Garry O'Brien, says it has been a hard two years.

''The last two weeks have certainly opened up a lot of wounds,'' he said.

''With the result today, I can say on behalf of the family we can finally say to Damo 'rest in peace'.''

- See more at: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/pair-guilty-over-killing-gold-coast-policeman-damian-leeding/story-e6frg6nf-1226725371596#sthash.YbknFhE9.dpuf

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SAFETY ON THE WATER is EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

This applies to all areas, not just Cairns!
September 23, 2013 at 8:32 am

Cairns Water Police are urging recreational boaties to ensure their safety equipment complies with current legislative requirements following another search andrescue at the weekend.

On Saturday a man called 000 stating that his vessel had broken down at Batt Reef off Port Douglas and he required assistance.

Officer in Charge of Cairns Water Police, Senior Constable Chris Uprichard said the man had used three hand held flares to try and alert other vessels in the vicinity but it did not work.

“Radio calls by Cairns VTS for vessels in the Batt Reef area to report the location of the flares went unanswered,” Senior Constable Uprichard said.

“Thankfully the man set off an EPIRB which resulted in him being located by the Port Douglas Coast Guard, who rendered mechanical assistance for approximately 20 minutes for an electrical problem, and the vessel was then able to proceed back to shore under its own power.

“A rescue helicopter was also deployed to respond to the beacon activation.

“Unfortunately the beacon used was not registered with them as it should have been.”

Cairns Water Police officers are concerned that on two consecutive weekends, radio calls of a distress situation went unanswered.

The use of hand held flares also appears to have been ignored or gone unreported by other vessels in the near vicinity.

Senior Constable Uprichard said boaties must be mindful of their obligations to assist a vessel displaying or communicating signals of distress.

“In the case they are not able to respond, their obligation to report such to Police, Coastguard or local vessel monitoring stations.

“In both these instances the matters would have been resolved in a more timely matter, with the assistance of nearby vessels, reducing the risks to persons involved.

“Please remember that safety on the water is everyone’s responsibility.”

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

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Lower tolerances in speeding crackdown

September 19, 2013 at 10:57 am
Following the launch of Operation Lima Spring Break the second stage of a speeding enforcement campaign is set to begin and recent statistics suggest that a greater number of Queensland motorists have been detected speeding.

Road Policing Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said that following the Commissioners announcement in June that tolerances would be lowered, the second stage of the reducing the tolerances is about to commence and police will continue to monitor compliance with speed limits and the impact on road safety.

“Our message today is drive to the posted speed limits; that is the maximum speed permitted to be travelled on the road at that time,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said.

“As at midnight last night, the Queensland road toll was 201. This is six more road deaths than at the same date in 2012 and 27 more than at the same date in 2010. This is not acceptable.”

“At the end of July 2013, the number of speed camera detections increased by 2% when compared with the corresponding period 2012. At the end of August 2013, the number of speed camera detections increased by 23% when compared with the corresponding period in 2012.”

“This increase is attributed to the increase in speed camera operations and the reduction in the enforcement tolerance level. In addition, since July 2013, police commenced operating an additional five combined red light with speed cameras across Queensland and the number of mobile speed camera hours increased by 28% for the month of August 2013 when compared to 2012,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said.

Commissioner Ian Stewart said that it was disappointing to see an increase in detections and he urged all motorists to drive at a speed no greater than the posted speed limit.

“Speeding kills and we will continue to enforce the speed limit in an effort to make our roads safer for all. We need to take a stand as the road toll is unacceptably high and we want everyone to take personal responsibility everyday, to reduce the road toll” Commissioner Stewart said.

Speed Camera Statistics demonstrating an improved compliance:
Speed Cameras (not including red light cameras or portable devices)

In the 2010/2011 financial year – 208 vehicles monitored per speed offence
In the 2012/13 financial year – 315 vehicles monitored per speed offence

Mobile speed cameras only (not including portable or fixed)

Offences per 1,000 vehicles:
• 2011/2012 – 9.16
• 2012/13 – 8.69

Fixed Speed Cameras (Analogue Fixed Speed, All Digital Fixed Speed, Combined Digital Speed/Red Light Cameras & the Digital Average Speed Camera System)

Offences per 1,000 vehicles:
• 2011/12 – 1.78
• 2012/13 – 1.17

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

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