The man charged over an alleged burglary that resulted in a home being ransacked and a family's pet dog and car being stolen has walked free from court after he was found unfit to stand trial.
Maximilliano Cardozo faced Southport Court today where magistrate Nerida Wilson dismissed charges of entering a dwelling and unlawful use of a motor vehicle under the mental health act.
The alleged “dognapping” of Bowie the blind Australian shepherd gained national attention and prompted a two-day search along the east coast in July 2023.
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The dog was found safe and well following a tip-off from a member of the public that led to Mr Cardozo being pulled over by police near Nambucca Heads on the NSW mid-north coast, 300km from Bowie's Gold Coast home.
Mr Cardozo was extradited back to Queensland following his arrest.
Bowie's owner, Luke Durman, raised the alarm when he returned from a holiday to find his Southport home had been broken into and his car and beloved pet missing.
He said the front door had been prised open and there was food strewn across the floor, golf clubs snapped in half, cupboards and filing cabinets turned upside down, family photos and Lego stuffed down the toilet, and his wife's wedding gown was gone.
Section 127 of the Queensland Mental Health Act allows criminal complaints to be thrown out if the person charged was of unsound mind when the offence was allegedly committed, or is unfit for trial.
Luke Durman says he returned home to find his Southport home ransacked. (Supplied: Durman family)
Mr Durman said his family had sold their home and moved from the area after the alleged incident.
“Obviously we are disappointed, angered, frustrated by the news [of the magistrate's decision],” Mr Durman said.
“It was four days of anguish wondering if we'd ever see Bowie again.”
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As Mr Cardozo left court, he was asked whether there was anything he would like to say to the Durman family, to which he replied: “No, thank you.”
The court heard Mr Cardozo is still facing charges of wilful damage over a separate incident during which a police car and roller door were allegedly damaged.
He was due to be sentenced on those charges today, but requested more time to seek new legal advice.
The matter was adjourned and he will return to court next month.
