James Alexander Bustard damaged Uber drivers vehicle
A 26-year-old man from Armstrong Creek who was severely impacted by drugs and alcohol damaged an Uber driver’s car by smashing the windscreen with his bare hands.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An Armstrong Creek man smashed the windscreen of a rideshare car with his bare hands during a drug and alcohol fuelled attack.
James Alexander Bustard pleaded guilty to criminal damage and unlawful assault in Geelong Magistrates Court on Friday.
Police prosecutor David Vanderpol said on July 24 in 2022, Bustard had verbal spat with his partner, who was about to go out just after midnight.
Bustard’s partner and her friend were picked up by an Uber driver at about 12.05am, and headed back a few minutes later because she forgot her keys.
Mr Vanderpol said when she returned inside, Bustard went outside and stood in front of the Uber driver and shouted at him.
“The victim quickly locked the door, and he (Bustard) started punching the victim’s driver side window 10 times with both fists,” Mr Vanderpol said.
The court was told the victim then tried to leave the area and, after driving down the road for 30 metres, Bustard stepped in front of the vehicle and blocked him from leaving.
He then smashed the bonnet with both hands and was screaming and cursing at the victim.
The court heard his punches caused a large crack on the driver’s side window.
When police arrived at the scene, Bustard was affected by drugs and alcohol and was unfit to be interviewed.
He was also found to be in possession of a pipe.
Bustard’s lawyer said his client was remorseful for his actions and said his behaviour completely unreasonable.
He said Bustard had had to live with what he he had done ever since.
Bustard’s lawyer said his client previously had problems with alcohol.
“On this night he had been arguing with his partner who then went out,” the lawyer said.
“He fell asleep on the couch, she came back and there was a knock on the door.
“He went outside, there was an incident, and words were exchanged.
“His reaction followed.”
Magistrate Simon Guthrie said the offending was serious and described Bustard’s actions as “totally inappropriate behaviour”.
Mr Guthrie sentenced Bustard to a 12 month community corrections order.
No conviction was recorded.
More Coverage
Originally published as James Alexander Bustard damaged Uber drivers vehicle
Geelong restaurant named state’s best in three-peat victory
For the third year in a row, a well-known Greek restaurant has been awarded a statewide honour.
New take on old household item helps dementia patients remember
A new device created by a team of Geelong and Sydney researchers to help dementia patients remember daily tasks is in the running for an international award.