There are other reports in Trove where his name is listed as Roy Stewart Sutherland. It appears he also used the alias Macalister.
One article refers to him as a 30 year old native of Scotland but another has a completely different story. (Cairns Post - 5 Apr 1932)
"YOUNG MAN'S LAPSE.
STEALING FROM DWELLING.
Roy Stewart Sutherland was charged that on February 13, at Merragallan, he entered a dwelling and stole a pair of trousers, a pair of shoes, a ring, a brooch and £1/15/- in money, the property of John Francis Britten.
Defendant pleaded guilty.
Mr. Quinn outlined the circumstances of the case, and said there were no previous convictions against him. He had a good record. He had "served in the Great War and in that war his father and three brothers had been killed, he being the only survivor of the family. His mother was alive, but at present defendant could do nothing to assist her. Defendant was at present undergoing a sentence of four months for false pretences.
His Honor said it was difficult to deal with the prisoner after his having such a good record and then suddenly turning criminal. He would sentence defendant to six months' imprisonment,the sentence to commence from the date of commencement of the four months' sentence which defendant was at present serving."
He could not have been 30 years old and served in the Great War. There is no Roy Stewart/Stuart Sutherland birth in Scotland between 1890-1910, nor is he listed on the 1911 Scotland Census.
Merragallen is near/part of Malanda. On the 1930 Electoral Rolls there is a Caroline Annie Sutherland living alone in Malanda. Don't know if she is any relation.
Sorry, I guess that just adds to the confusion. It would seem the records for the Gordonvale Police Courts are held at the Qld State Archives. It might be worth emailing them to check.
info@archives.qld.gov.auRegards
Toni White