The Case Of The Missing Fence Continues …
On the 8th of November local man, Rhys Stokes, went for a walk in Yarrabilba that he says almost killed him. Rhys is partially blind due to a disease and thought he was doing his regular walk around the high school fence. In fact, he was following the perimeter fence that borders Yarrabilba from Wickham Timber Reserve. What Rhys didn’t know is there were gaps in the fence after sections of it went missing some time ago. He came to a gap, went to turn and the last thing he remembers is falling.
Rhys fell 2.7 metres and landed on his head. His brother was nearby and called Triple 000. Queensland Fire & Rescue, Rural Fire Service, the Ambulance Service and Police all attended promptly. Rhys has nothing but praise for them and believes they saved his life.
He suffered some spinal injury, bleeding on the brain, and a dislocated shoulder. Rhys has four children and is no longer able to pick up his youngest daughter. He was working before the accident but hasn’t been able to work since which has caused hardship for his family. Rhys says, “I love Yarrabilba and don’t want anyone else to suffer what I’ve suffered”. He’s grateful the fence is now being repaired by Logan City Council. As to the cause of the gap in the fence: could it have been a case of metal theft? If so, it had serious consequences.
Logan Police urge anyone who sees signs of metal theft to contact Policelink either online or by calling 131 444, or report to Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
By Susan Alexander (Reporter)