Josiah Lea has been jailed after recruiting a teenager to attempt to burn down a burger restaurant in Strathpine, resulting in extensive damage.
Background and Context
The Strathpine community has been impacted by an attempted arson attack on a local Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ restaurant. On 2 September 2023, fires broke out at Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ stores in Strathpine and Redbank Plains within minutes of each other.
Josiah Lea, 22, later faced Brisbane District Court after being charged with recruiting a 17-year-old to carry out the Strathpine attack.
Mr Lea, the brother of professional rugby league player Viliami Lea, turned to crime after struggling with drug use. His criminal history included a previous jail term for armed burglary.
Both fires caused significant damage, with no occupants inside the stores at the time. Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ owner Ben Niumata described it as a difficult period for the business, which had only been operating since 2022.
Details of the Incident
Mr Lea instructed the teenager through text messages to steal a car, drive it to the Strathpine restaurant, and ignite the building. Specific directions included smashing windows and spraying petrol extensively. The teenager later purchased matches at a nearby 7-Eleven before carrying out the act.
The Strathpine fire caused $92,500 in damage. As the building’s structure was not destroyed, the offence was classified as attempted arson. The teenager involved was later identified when he sought hospital treatment for burns, and analysis of his phone linked the crime back to Lea.
The first attack occurred at Redbank Plains around 1:20 a.m. on 2 September 2023, with the Strathpine fire following roughly ten minutes afterward.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Josiah Lea was arrested and charged on 13 September 2023 in Beenleigh Magistrates Court. Charges included two counts of attempted arson, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, possessing explosives, contravening an order about electronic access information, and possession of used pipes.
Mr Lea entered a guilty plea at Brisbane District Court to charges of attempted arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Chief Judge Brian Devereaux acknowledged the seriousness of involving a younger person in the crime.
Despite completing a drug rehabilitation program while in custody, Mr Lea’s prior criminal history and the fact that he offended while on parole impacted sentencing.
Impact on the Community
The attacks caused major disruptions for Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ, the business established by Ben Niumata. Mr Niumata, who had launched the restaurants after starting a small burger business in Ipswich, expressed uncertainty about why the stores were targeted.
Despite the significant damage and challenges with insurance claims, Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ in Strathpine successfully reopened in January 2024, months after the attack. The restaurant continues to thrive today.
Sentencing Outcome
Mr Lea was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for attempted arson and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, reduced from four years to reflect the 588 days he had already spent in custody since his arrest on 13 September 2023.
However, because he committed the offence while on parole, the time served was not formally declared as part of this sentence. Mr Lea will be eligible for parole on 24 July 2025.
Chief Judge Devereaux warned Mr Lea that if he truly valued the support shown by his family, he must not put them through having to attend court for him again.
Published 26-Apr-2025
