An Indian Australian family allegedly targeted in a racist outburst at a Brisbane apartment complex is considering breaking its lease and returning to India because of fears for its safety.
A 19-year-old man, Harley Adams, has been charged with hate crime offences after police alleged he yelled racist insults at the family and threatened to “blow up” their Morningside unit block in Brisbane’s east.
The alleged incident occurred about 12:30 am on Monday.
Mr Adams appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where police prosecutor Sergeant Matt Kahler described the alleged behaviour as an “extraordinary racist outburst”.
The court heard Mr Adams allegedly believed the family had made a complaint that resulted in his eviction from the complex.
Sergeant Kahler told the court Mr Adams became apologetic after learning the family had not made such a complaint.
According to reporting by 7News, the Indian family has been left so frightened by the alleged threats that they are considering ending their lease and returning to India.
The allegations have also raised concerns among other residents of the complex.
Police told the court other residents had been breaking their leases and moving out because of concerns about Mr Adams’s behaviour.
Mr Adams was arrested on Tuesday and charged with offences relating to threats and serious vilification.
Queensland Police defines serious vilification as public conduct involving threats of harm against a person or their property, or encouraging others to cause harm, because of a protected characteristic such as race or religion.
Serious vilification is a criminal offence in Queensland and can carry a prison sentence if a person is convicted.
Magistrate Peter Saggers told Mr Adams the court treated threats of violence seriously.
“When you say you’re going to do things, then the court will proceed on the basis of that’s what you mean,” Mr Saggers said.
The magistrate also referred to allegations that Mr Adams had threatened to blow himself up along with other people at the complex.
Mr Adams was granted bail under strict conditions.
He must wear an electronic monitoring device, stay away from the Morningside apartment complex and its residents, and report to a police station three times a week.
The matter has been adjourned until November 16.
The charges come amid increased attention on racially motivated offending in Queensland.
Queensland Police says a crime can be treated as hate-motivated where prejudice or bias relating to characteristics including race, religion, sexuality, gender identity or sex characteristics is alleged to have motivated the offending.
Offences that can attract hate-related aggravation include threats of violence, assault, stalking, harassment, wilful damage, public nuisance and trespass.
Police encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses a suspected hate crime to report it.
Mr Adams has not entered a plea to the allegations reported in court.
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