Community-Minded Fisherman Throws Lobster Traps Into The Sea

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Our town’s very own Andrew Wilkie is under arrest this afternoon for a string of offences related to the theft and destruction of a number of pokie machines.

Betoota Heights man, Dennis Hartigan (56), appeared in the Local Court this morning charged with burglary, destruction of property and theft-related offences.

The Lake Betoota fisherman allegedly broke into The Dugong Arms in the early hours of the morning last night.

Police will allege that Mr Hartigan stole six brickie’s laptops from the pub and took them to the Betoota Fish Markets in the back of his breathless Proton Jumbuck. Once there, he allegedly put the machines on his boat and took them out to sea and threw them in.

No motive has been established for the brazen crime and counsel for Mr Hartigan declined to comment on the matter as they left court this morning.

Mr Hartigan has been granted conditional bail and due back in court next month.

More to come.