Joshua Kenneth Penny: Alleged Irwin gun thief arrested near Drummond Cove, flown to RPH with serious injuries

A man wanted for questioning over the alleged theft of three firearms from an Irwin property earlier this month has been arrested, but had to be flown to a Perth hospital with bleeding on the brain. Geraldton Police have recovered the three firearms allegedly stolen in the October 3 burglary. Detectives allegedly recovered two out of three firearms on Friday, October 7 during a house raid in Wonthella. Acting officer-in-charge Detective Sergeant Simon Harrison said police allegedly located a Tikka .223 and Erma .22 Magnum rifle, and continued to search for a stolen double-barrel Beretta shotgun. Police believed 32-year-old Joshua Kenneth Penny could assist them with their inquiries. Det-Sgt Harrison said police were able to track down Mr Penny’s mobile phone number and make contact with him over the phone on Wednesday, October 12. Det-Sgt Harrison said he would allege Mr Penny told police to “get f....d” before ending the phone call. About 2pm on Thursday, October 13, Det-Sgt Harrison said police allegedly located the Beretta shotgun inside a vehicle on a beach north of Drummond Cove. Officers arrested Mr Penny not far from the scene. Mr Penny was due to appear in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday on charges of burglary, stealing and not holding a gun licence or permit while in possession of three or more firearms. But he did not appear in court due to being admitted to hospital with serious injuries. Magistrate Evan Shackleton told the court Mr Penny was in hospital unconscious. Mr Penny’s case was adjourned to Monday. The court was told a possible bail application would be presented. Outside of court, Det-Sgt Harrison said police would allege that on arresting Mr Penny he was already in a bad condition. He said police took Mr Penny to hospital as a precaution and he was on police watch. Det-Sgt Harrison said he understood Mr Penny had been flown to Royal Perth Hospital with bleeding on the brain.