A former Far North Queensland MP, Michael Trout, has been sentenced to community service after pleading guilty to punching a woman during a misguided vigilante attack. The incident, described as “bizarre,” occurred on May 17 last year near Cairns, involving Trout, his brother, and a friend.
Michael Trout, once the LNP member for Barron River, appeared in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he admitted to one count of causing an affray. The court heard how Trout, 63, along with his brother Luke Trout, 46, and their friend Eric Forster, 42, assaulted three individuals based on incorrect information.
Details of the Incident
The victims, Leah Kawane, Jessie Howie, and Ms. Kawane’s father, Travis Mason, suffered various injuries, including cuts, bruises, and a fractured arm and hand for Mr. Howie. Magistrate Terence Browne remarked that the case represented “a fall from grace” for Michael Trout, emphasizing that the victims were “simply going about their lives.”
The altercation stemmed from tensions following thefts from the Trout brothers’ properties at Holloways Beach. A community gathering on Alamanda Street had allegedly pointed fingers at certain residents for illegal activities, escalating the situation.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On the night of the attack, Luke Trout’s wife reportedly called him, fearing an imminent threat to their home. After contacting police and their friend Forster, the Trout brothers confronted the victims, accusing them of being involved. Despite their denials, violence ensued, with Forster joining the fray upon his arrival.
Both Michael and Luke Trout pleaded guilty to causing an affray, resulting in 60 hours of community service without recorded convictions. Eric Forster, however, received a 12-month suspended prison sentence with convictions recorded for being party to assault occasioning bodily harm and causing an affray.
Community and Political Reactions
Outside the court, Darren Michael Howie, an LNP executive and father to one of the victims, expressed his dismay. He stated,
“It’s just innocent people going about their business and set upon by vigilantes taking the law into their own hands.”
He noted the lack of remorse from the offenders, highlighting that no apologies had been offered.
In the aftermath of the attack, Michael Trout claimed to have been a victim of a youth crime incident and made a $17,500 donation to the LNP. Despite stepping down from pre-selection activities once charged, questions about the donation linger.
Political Implications
Mr. Howie called for the LNP to return the donation, arguing,
“I’ve always said it doesn’t really pass the pub test … taking money from unreputable sources when you got all this going on.”
However, Premier David Crisafulli declined to comment on the return of the funds, stating that the court’s handling of the misdemeanour charge was “fit and proper.”
He added,
“I’m not quite sure, just to be clear, that’s a historical issue … Mr. Trout has been found guilty of a misdemeanour, the court has dealt with that and that shows the correct response.”
Looking Forward
This case highlights the dangers of vigilantism and the importance of relying on law enforcement to handle criminal activities. The community’s reaction underscores a broader concern about justice and accountability, particularly when public figures are involved.
As the legal consequences unfold, the incident serves as a cautionary tale for both the public and political entities, emphasizing the need for due process and the potential repercussions of taking the law into one’s own hands.
