Man denied bail after alleged gel blaster and arson attack on Surfers Paradise massage parlour - ABC News

[Nicholas McElroy]

Man denied bail after alleged gel blaster and arson attack on Surfers Paradise massage parlour​

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  By Nicholas McElroy
  
  
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  ABC Gold Coast
  
  
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  Topic:Arson
  

11h ago11 hours agoFri 6 Dec 2024 at 2:08am

A massage parlour in Surfers Paradise was extensively damaged by fire. (ABC News: Nicholas McElroy)

In short:​

Quentin Troy Hall, 41, has been charged with arson and attempted robbery following an alleged attack on a massage parlour.

The incident shut down streets in Surfers Paradise.

What's next?​

Bail was denied and the case was adjourned until January.




A man accused of trying and failing to rob a massage parlour with a gel blaster before returning with jerry cans filled with fuel and setting fire to the business has been denied bail.

Quentin Troy Hall, 41, allegedly visited the Surfers Paradise establishment called Asian Care 4 U Massage with a gel blaster about 6:30pm on Thursday after an earlier disagreement.

The Surfers Paradise resident allegedly demanded money from a woman and a 68-year-old man who owns the business.

It's alleged petrol was used in an arson attack on the massage parlour. (ABC News: Nicholas McElroy)


He allegedly assaulted the woman and used the gel blaster — a type of toy that often looks like a real firearm — to bludgeon the older man, leaving him with face and neck injuries.

Mr Hall then left the business and purchased jerry cans and fuel, the Southport Magistrates Court was told on Friday.

He returned a short time later, and allegedly set fire to the foyer of the massage parlour.

Two streets were closed as police swarmed the busy tourism hotspot.

Mr Hall was arrested at an address on Cavil Avenue soon after.

'Completely out of character'​

He was charged with two counts of attempted armed robbery using violence, and one count each of arson, serious assault, entering premises with intent to commit an indictable offence and obstructing a police officer.

Mr Hall's defence lawyer Joanna McNae told the court there had been an incident earlier on Thursday that he had reported to police.


"He's gone home, consumed alcohol mixed with medication that he's on for his mental health condition," Ms McNae said.

"It's in that context that he feels as though he's lashed out and done something that's completely out of character for him considering his criminal history."

Police prosecutor Amelia Ridley said the alleged offending was a targeted attack and police had a strong case with multiple witnesses.

She said the response to his earlier complaint was "completely out of the realm of normality".

Magistrate Jane Bentley denied bail and adjourned the case for a mention on January 28.

Posted 11h ago11 hours agoFri 6 Dec 2024 at 2:08am

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