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2008 Slush Pile

This item was recently submitted by a reader.
Should I include it in the archive?
Vote to tell me what *you* think!

Welder lit flame near servo

2008 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance

Welder lit flame near servo fuel

Melanie Pilling

August 2nd, 2008

A MAN high on a cocktail of cocaine and alcohol held a flame over an open underground fuel tank, prompting an emergency shutdown of a Tugun service station, a court was told.

Jarrod Mark Cantlon, 25, a welder who works on the Tugun desalination plant, is said to have hallucinated after taking cocaine which, the court was told, was the first time he had used the drug.

Magistrate Dermot Kehoe denied Mr Cantlon bail in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday after hearing of the potential 'catastrophic' consequences of his actions.

The court was told Mr Cantlon went to the Shell service station at Tugun about 1.10am on July 27 where he unscrewed a man-hole cover, giving him access to underground petrol storage tanks and exposing fuel pipes that are used to replenish supply.

It is alleged Mr Cantlon then lit two pieces of tissue paper with a cigarette lighter and walked towards the open fuel tanks.

Mr Cantlon came within two metres of the man-hole, the court was told.

"Fearing an explosion, the console operator activated an emergency shutdown," said police prosecutor Senior Constable Damian Summerfield in opposing bail.

"The prosecution are particularly concerned about the seriousness of the offences before the court."

Sen-Constable Summerfield said Mr Cantlon was a danger to the community and could reoffend if he continued to take drugs.

Mr Cantlon, of Currumbin, was charged with one count each of threatening violence and obstructing police.

It was alleged by his solicitor, Mark Bamberry, that Mr Cantlon wanted to be caught by police because he was feeling scared and paranoid after taking the drugs.

Mr Bamberry said Mr Cantlon was remorseful and did not intend harm to himself or others.

He told the court Mr Cantlon's friends and family said the behaviour was out of character, explaining that he was 'disturbed' because of the hallucinations.

Mr Kehoe said Mr Cantlon was in a 'show cause' position because he had allegedly used fire as a weapon.

He said Mr Cantlon was an unacceptable risk of endangering the public's safety.

Mr Cantlon will reappear for mention on August 6.

Submitted on 08/03/2008

Submitted by: Anonymous
Reference: http://www.news.com.au/gallery/0,23816,5021611-17382,00.html 2 August 08

Copyright © 2008 DarwinAwards.com

>> Moderator Scores <<

Candi said:
Definitely Toss: Bystanders Hurt
This guy was a moron, and chose to take brain-destroying substances, but if he had succeeded, a lot of people might have been hurt. Sorry, but thanks for submitting, and try again!


James said:
Definitely Keep: Honorable Mention
While the "bystanders hurt" is speculative, of course (no one got hurt), this fellow DOES deserve an HM for extreme stupidity. Thanks!


Bruce said:
Definitely Toss: No Self-Selection
While I agree with James that this idiot does deserve recognition for his stupidity I really can't vote for this because of the fact that it seems he was never in any real danger. The operator of the machinery did his job as he was trained and hit an emergency shutdown before anything bad could happen, so this guy was never in any serious danger. Thanks just the same.


Tracy said:
Definitely Toss: No Self-Selection
I don't believe that this guy should be awarded an HM - even if he had managed to get to the tanks, I wouldn't have found it a particularly amusing story - as I feel there are too many stories from people "under the influence"


Shadow said:
Definitely Toss: Other
also it says he was high on booze and cocaine... altered state of mind to me eliminates the stupidity factor


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