Alleged hit-run driver Brian William Ross ‘caught behind the wheel’ and arrested at Unley
A MAN who has not held a licence in over 30 years and faced court last month over an alleged hit-run has been arrested behind the wheel at Unley, police say.
A MAN who has not held a licence in over 30 years and faced court last month over an alleged hit-run has been arrested behind the wheel at Unley, police say.
Brian William Ross, 72, of Unley, was pulled over in a silver sedan just after 10am on Friday. Police say Ross was in breach of bail conditions — which include a ban from being behind the wheel of, or in the driver’s seat of, all vehicles — that he agreed to in court just 10 days ago.
When the arresting officer got near Ross’ car a dog launched itself at the policeman and tore his pants. He was not injured.
Ross was arrested and charged with driving disqualified and breach of bail.
He was refused bail and will appear in court on Monday. His vehicle was seized, defected and impounded.
Ross faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court on July 25 accused of causing a crash with a motorcyclist, leaving the rider with broken collarbone, then driving away.
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.
Outside court Ross was asked whether he had anything to say to his alleged victim, to which he replied: “he did it to himself”.
Earlier, the court heard Ross has not held a licence since he was disqualified in 1987.
Michael Woods, for Ross, told the court 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.”
At the time 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.