Australian man went on chainsaw rampage

A tree lopper went on a chainsaw rampage through a house, terrifying a woman taking refuge, when he forced his weapon into a toilet door, a court has heard. Allan Dale Baird, 34, faced Cairns Magistrates Court on Friday charged with burglary with violence and wilful damage after allegedly terrorising a Gordonvale household with an operating chainsaw and a jerry can of fuel on Thursday night.

Prosecutor Constable Scott Parsons told the court the Gordonvale man arrived at the house after 10pm and tried to start a fight with one of the occupants before leaving and returning with his chainsaw. He said Baird used the chainsaw to terrify the occupants and damage the property, including sawing a lounge chair in half.



When his chainsaw ran out of petrol, Baird went to his work vehicle to get a second one so he could continue the rampage, the court heard. At one point he forced the weapon into the toilet door, frightening the woman seeking refuge inside, the court heard.

He also threatened to burn the property down using a jerry can of fuel, the court heard, and promised to come back for the occupants. Baird has been charged with wilful damage and burglary but Const Parsons told the court he was expected to face further charges. The matter was adjourned until Monday, when Baird has indicated he will apply for bail.