Alleged hit-run driver Brian William Ross will be monitored while on bail following previous release breaches
AN ELDERLY, unwell, unlicensed driver charged over a hit-run crash will be monitored on bail by both authorities and his own family to stop him harming the community or himself, a court has ruled.
- Alleged hit-run driver ‘hasn’t held a licence for over 30 years’
- Bailed, unlicensed hit-run accused ‘caught behind the wheel again’
- Hit-run victim sympathises with driver who allegedly injured him
AN ELDERLY, unwell, unlicensed driver charged over a hit-run crash will be monitored on bail by both authorities and his own family to stop him harming the community or himself, a court has ruled.
On Wednesday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court released Brian William Ross on strict home detention bail, including 24/7 electronic monitoring of his movements.
Magistrate John Fahey said Ross would forfeit $1000 if he breached his bail again – as he allegedly did nine days after his first release – while his daughter would lose $5000.
Mr Fahey said multiple factors had convinced him to give Ross another chance in the community.
“Imprisonment will be problematic for his health... he had a coronial artery bypass in 2009, he’s had cardiac failure and cardiomyopathy and hypertension,” he said.
“He has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, melanoma, fatty liver, diverticulitis and, according to the medical reports, there’s more.
“His son and daughter now have enduring Power of Attorney over him, also.”
Ross, 72, of Unley, is charged with offences including aggravated driving without due care, failing to stop, driving disqualified, impeding an investigation and breaching bail.
It is alleged that, on July 18, he struck motorcyclist David Baker with his car, at the intersection of Hutt St and South Tce, and drove away.
Upon his arrest, the court heard he had not held a licence since 1987 – he was granted bail, only to be allegedly caught driving again nine days later.
It is further alleged that his dog attacked a police officer on that occasion.
Last week, Mr Baker told The Advertiser his sympathies were with Mr Ross and his family, despite the debilitating injury he had suffered in the first incident.
On Wednesday, counsel for Ross said his residence had been approved for home detention and his wife, who is also ill, would be released from hospital in time to live with him.
They said his children had been granted Power of Attorney over their father and would be “disposing” of his car upon its release from an SA Police impound.
Police prosecutors said they did not oppose Ross’ release so long as his daughter was a guarantor, and that she and her brother took responsibility for their father’s movements.
They said authorities should not have to liaise with Ross, who “is often confused and disoriented”, to arrange leave passes to attend his numerous medical appointments.
They also asked his bail conditions specifically ban him from sitting in the driver’s seat of any and all vehicles.
Mr Fahey agreed, and remanded Ross on his new bail conditions to face court again next month.