Jake Anthony Rathjen had dangerous driving charge downgraded to aggravated due care
A carer on meth who allegedly mowed down a man with his car after a northern suburbs street brawl had a win in court after his charges were downgraded.
North & North East
Don't miss out on the headlines from North & North East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A carer who allegedly mowed down a man with his car after a wild northern suburbs street brawl had his charges downgraded.
Jake Anthony Rathjen, 42, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, where prosecution said they were withdrawing the charge of causing serious harm by dangerous driving.
Emergency services were called to Charmouth Road in Davoren Park just after 7pm on October 18 after reports of fighting in the street.
Police will allege two men were threatening each other with weapons, when one of the men got into his car and drove at the other man, knocking him to the ground.
The 39-year-old man from Davoren Park was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment after sustaining head injuries.
His condition was not considered to be life threatening.
Mr Rathjen, of Kilburn, is now only charged with the summary offences of aggravated due care, driving while disqualified and driving with methamphetamine in fluid or blood.
He is yet to enter any pleas.
If found guilty of aggravated due care, Mr Rathjen faces a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment and at least six months disqualification.
The now dismissed aggravated charge of causing serious harm by dangerous driving carried a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life and a mandatory licence disqualification for ten years.
During Mr Rathjen’s successful bail bid in December, the court heard he was a full-time carer for a woman, which included taking her to appointments, shopping and caring for her dogs.
On Thursday, Christos Pouras, for Mr Rathjen, told the court there would potentially be guilty pleas to some but not all of the charges.
Magistrate Justin Wickens adjourned the charges until next month in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court.
Crash scene cocaine claim as horror bus smash driver faces court
A Wasleys man has heard he could face life in jail over the deaths of two young women in a horrific crash with a school bus at Mallala.
‘Positive signs’ for injured jockey in horrific Gawler fall
Horse racing officials have given an update on the youngster’s condition after she was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital on Monday.