Car crashes into MP's home

A damaged garage door has been removed from Robert Schwarten’s home after a car was allegedly rammed into it on Tuesday.

Allan Reinikka

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• ‘Ram-raider' in police custody

A GOOD Samaritan on his way to pick up his daughter from dancing has helped police catch a man accused of ram-raiding Rockhampton MP Robert Schwarten's house.

Police say the incident is linked to a similar attack, shortly before, on the office of Capricornia Member Kirsten Livermore.

Late yesterday police charged a man, 62, with three counts of wilful damage. He is expected to appear in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court this morning.

Inspector David Peff, of Rockhampton police, said yesterday the two alleged attacks occurred on Tuesday.

Insp Peff said between 4.30pm and 6pm a car had reversed into a back entrance, pushing in the door to Ms Livermore's office building, in Denison St.

He said at 5.55pm a car rammed into the garage of Mr Schwarten and his wife Judy's Park Avenue home, Main St, damaging the door and a car parked inside. The car allegedly roared off before the Schwartens could get any details.

A passing motorist, on his way to pick up his daughter from a dance lesson, noted the utility's number and gave it to Mr Schwarten and police. Insp Peff said as a result police had been able to find the accused who was taken into custody yesterday afternoon.Police executed a search warrant on the alleged offender's premises, discovering what they say are items relating to the attacks.

Speaking before charges were laid, Mr Schwarten and a spokesman for Ms Livermore said they didn't believe the attacks were politically motivated. Mr Schwarten was yesterday out of action after a flare up of ulcerative colitis that he was diagnosed with almost two years ago.

"Ironically, I have never been forced to stay in bed for more than a day during my working life, now I'm retiring I have spent most of the time since last Thursday like that and I didn't need this," he said.