Driver accused of hit-run in Adelaide’s Hutt St hasn’t held licence for over 30 years, court hears
AN alleged hit-run driver who has not held a licence for more than 30 years says his alleged victim, a motorcyclist, “did it to himself”.
AN alleged hit-run driver who has not held a licence for more than 30 years says his alleged victim, a motorcyclist, “did it to himself”.
Brian William Ross, 72, of Unley, was escorted from the Adelaide Magistrates Court by his family on Wednesday afternoon, having spent a night in the cells over an alleged hit-run at the intersection of Hutt St and South Tce on July 18.
Asked whether he had anything to say to his alleged victim, who suffered a broken collarbone in the crash, Ross replied: “he did it to himself”.
Earlier, the court heard Ross, who is accused of running down and injuring the motorcyclist, then driving away, has not held a licence since he was disqualified in 1987.
He is charged with offences including aggravated driving without due care, failing to stop and driving disqualified, as well as impeding a police investigation.
Police allege that, on July 18, he was behind the wheel of a silver Ford sedan that collided with and injured a motorcycle at the intersection of Hutt St and South Tce in the city.
In court, Michael Woods, for Ross, said his client should be immediately released on bail because it was unlikely the allegations would meet the legal test needed for a conviction.
“He has a residence available with his partner of 27 years … he is her carer and, unfortunately, she is in hospital at the moment,” he said.
“My client has recently received treatment for his melanoma cancer, including chemotherapy, plus he has had significant heart issues including bypasses … he is not a well man.
“It’s alleged the motorcyclist has a broken collarbone — that may well not meet the definition of serious harm (needed for a conviction), but that’s for another day.”
Mr Woods said Ross’ car, worth $2000, was now a write-off.
He conceded his client had not held a licence since 1987 but said he had been “disqualified under the old scheme” and “never got around to doing anything about it”.
Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis expressed concern with those submissions given Ross had allegedly impeded the investigation.
“You are playing this down, but I’m hearing this man has not held a licence since 1987, has bought himself a $2000 car and driven because he felt like it,” she said.
Mr Woods said he “did not know how” Her Honour “had inferred that”.
“He took his car in the next day to have it repaired and when he was told, over the phone, it would cost $4000 to fix he replied, over the phone, it wasn’t worth repairing and it could be towed,” he said.
“That’s the extent of what police are saying is perverting the course of justice.”
Police did not object to Ross’ release on bail provided he was banned from being behind the wheel of, or in the driver’s seat of, all vehicles.
Ms Panagiotidis released Ross on $500 bail and ordered he face court again in September.