Pinched or Planted?
Two separate mobs of cattle belonging to Nobbs Cattle Company mysteriously appeared in empty paddocks on Albeni, near Springsure, Queensland.
On 28 February 2006 a posse of previously friendly neighbours arrived on Albeni to verbally convict an innocent man of the theft of the cattle.
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Swept Along In The Out-Of-Control Hysteria
One Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad (SARCIS) member was part of the posse, swept along in the out-of-control hysteria.
By the time the SARCIS team – whose jurisdiction the property resides – arrived, it appeared that Graeme McDonald had been tried and charged with the theft.
As a result the McDonalds found themselves alone with no rights and no way of proving their innocence.
“Pinched or Planted?” is their story.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
The book is absolutely fantastic! I love reading stories set in the Australian bush and the only bad part about this one is that it is a TRUE story! If only it were all a great work of fiction!
Well done Sue! I can’t wait for the next installment when/if the truth finally comes out!
xx
Bron
thank you for your kind words
Sue
Sue,
Congratulations on a great read. We both read it and could not put it down. We knew very little about the saga, and after reading it, you have done well to retain your sanity. The unprofessionalism and inefficency of the law would have been enough to frustrate the hell out of me that alone keep calm.
Thank you Debbie.
who says I am still sane?
Sue
The book is an excellent read and the McDonald’s have shown courage and fortitude. Justice as not been completely shown, but in the future the guilty will be exposed.
Thanks hope you are right
Love Sue
An inspiring story of personal courage and commitment to the truth. I couldn’t put it down. It is not only an account of actual facts but it is indeed an intriguing story. I would especially recommend that all the people mentioned in this saga read “Pinched or Planted?” to see just how ridiculous the charges against Graeme were. Seeing things in perspective might give them a clearer picture. To have written this book yourself Sue shows an enormous amount of talent. I wish you and Graeme well.
Kathy
Could only do it with friends like you
Love Sue
Great Sue, Congratulations! Will be buying a stack for chrissy presents
hope everyone enjoys the read
Sue has a way of making pictures with words. She is so courageous, a woman with a very high moral standard. She shows through her writing the integrity and the advanced management skills of her husband but gives hope to the “little people” who have been disempowered by the system.
Thanks
Sue
Wasnt aware any of this was going on. Would have been more supportive had I known. Must live in a different “country”. Reading the book at the moment. See you soon.
thanks Sharon
Well written book that raises many questions.
hopefully we will eventually get answers.
thank you Gail
An amazing story, brilliantly written. I’m with Bron and can’t wait for the sequel when the truth comes out. Let’s hope it is soon to put an end to this horrendous ordeal you and your family have all been through.
thanks Anne
Don’t know if i have another four years left in me to write another book.
Sue
Hi Graeme & Sue
Throughout the years we have had grapevine news, however had no idea of this going on. A fascinating read, written with sincerity. An implausible case, handled in a totally unprofessional manner. We commend you for your courage to bring such an injustice out into the open.
We pray there is someone out there who can rectify the wrongs by the authorities and perpetrators.
Kindest regards
Mike & Fiona Caffery
You never know things like this can turn on anyone
I had to get one of your books today Sue after Jim’s phone call last night telling me that your book was “out’. Consequently did my shopping and the book has hardly left my hands. I had to take some time out to feed the chooks and the dog and even said to my husband Bruce’ you go to the party I’ve got a book to read’. I’m about half way through one one of the most personal, intense and powerful books that i have ever read. I wonder if Ken Strofeldt (Ken was the head of the Stock Squad when my dad reported cattle duffing at Mantuan in the sixties) has a copy yet…Good work and my best regards to you and Graeme,
Congratulations Sue on, what appears to be, a most complete record of events of which I was unaware until recently, having left the CQ region about 7 years ago.
In the early 1980’s, I was fortunate to have been involved, as an agent (with Lloyd Taylor & Co of Moura) with the sale of “Albeni” to Graeme and Sue McDonald and also the sale of “Cungelella” to the Allan, David and Mick Nobbs. Also, in conjunction with the late Rodney Scott, I was also involved in the sale of “Goodliffe” to the Speed family at around the same time.
Knowing the properties and some of the characters in the book has therefore made it all the more meaningful.
I am at a loss to understand that any of these families would have sufficient motive to steal cattle, given the size of their respective herds and holdings and the small numbers of cattle involved in the supposed crime.
The fact that the cattle were stolen from a small paddock in full view of the “Cungellella” homestead, albeit with calves freshly branded and then placed in paddocks on “Albeni” with the water turned off, beggars belief.
This could lead the reader to imagine that perhaps the second word in the books title is the most relevant.
Is it possible that these cattle could have been planted as a smoke screen to direct attention away from some other activity that may have been going on in the district, at the time?
Could not put the book down till i had finished , unbelivable that so much could be overlooked, when so much is quite obvious to someone just by simply reading the evidence, one wonders what goes on . stay strong all will come out one day over a drink i guess.