A 39-year-old Annerley accused of detonating pipe bombs has been granted bail, as his defense points to potential flaws in the prosecution’s case, including questions over DNA evidence and witness identification.
In a recent court appearance, 39-year-old Dale Philip Usher from Annerley, Queensland, faced serious charges related to the alleged detonation of pipe bombs. Mr Usher, who has been in custody for two months, was granted bail by the Supreme Court in Brisbane. His defense contends that his interest in fireworks and rocketry is purely recreational, and he denies involvement in the alleged explosions.
The charges against Usher stem from two incidents in Annerley on 10 June and 31 August, where pipe bombs were reportedly detonated in the early hours, causing property damage. Following these events, detectives executed search warrants at Mr Usher’s residence on Laurier Street, Annerley, and an acreage property in Burbank.
The searches, conducted with the assistance of specialized police units, allegedly uncovered precursor materials and equipment used to manufacture explosives, as well as illicit substances including methylamphetamine (ice), gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and cannabis.
During the bail application, Mr Usher’s lawyer, Andrew Owens, argued that his client has a longstanding fascination with fireworks and rocketry, emphasising that Mr Usher is a member of the Queensland Rocketry Society based in Cedar Grove.
Mr Owens suggested that another individual might be responsible for the detonations and that the prosecution’s case, which includes DNA evidence allegedly linking Mr Usher to the pipe bombs, has significant weaknesses. He also noted that a witness to the 10 June detonation failed to identify Usher in a police photo lineup, and that CCTV footage does not clearly implicate him.
Justice Rebecca Treston, presiding over the bail hearing, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges but also noted potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
She highlighted that Mr Usher has provided information identifying another individual he believes responsible for the explosions, which could offer an alternative explanation for the DNA evidence. Consequently, Justice Treston granted bail, describing the allegations as “a bit confronting” but considering the defense’s arguments regarding the strength of the evidence.
Usher’s partner, 30-year-old Sarah Margot Davis, was also arrested and charged in connection with the alleged offenses. Ms Davis, who has a limited criminal history, was granted bail in October under conditions that she reside with her parents in Forest Lake and have no contact with Mr Usher.
Both face multiple charges, including manufacturing explosives without authority, possessing dangerous drugs, and unlawful dealing with explosive substances.
The alleged detonation of pipe bombs in a residential area has understandably caused concern among the Annerley community. The investigation into the alleged pipe bomb detonations and related offenses is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies continue to gather evidence to build their case against the accused.
The defense is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, particularly concerning the identification of the individual responsible for the explosions and the interpretation of forensic findings.
Published 26-Dec-2024
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