Jason Peter Munda: Karratha man fined $1000 for damaging Aboriginal statues at Mt Welcome Lookout in Roebourne

A man has been fined for damaging Statues at the Mt Welcome lookout in Roebourne.

Jason Peter Munda appeared in Karratha Magistrates court via video link from Roebourne Regional Prison — where he pled guilty.

Munda — who is an elder — said he felt the statues were causing “angst” in his community.

The statues at the lookout spot are representative of the Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi and Mardudhunera Aboriginal people.

However, when asked if he consulted other community members about removing the statues, Munda said “no”.

“Those statues in Karratha should come down too,” Munda said.

The prosecution said Munda drove to the top of Mt Welcome, attached a chain around the statues and to his car, before uprooting them as he drove away.

The City of Karratha said the damage bill was around $4600.

In sentencing, Magistrate Cillian Stockdale imposed a $1000 fine — he was also fined $200 for an unrelated stealing offence.