Central Coast family of David Douglass offer drunk driver killer Paul Anthony Collie no remorse

A drink-driver left in a wheelchair with his skull partially caved in was forced to listen to victim impact statements of the children whose father he killed in a horror car crash.

Paul Anthony Collie, of Lake Munmorah, arriving at Wyong Local Court where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and high range drink-driving following a fatal crash at Doyalson on Halloween 2022. Picture: NewsLocal

A drink-driver left in a wheelchair with his skull partially caved in was forced to listen to victim impact statements of the children whose father he killed in a horror car crash.

Paul Anthony Collie, of Lake Munmorah, watched on behind a camera from a care facility in his motorised wheelchair as he listened to the impact his negligent actions had on the family of 56-year-old David Douglass, who died as a result of the crash.

In 2024, Collie pleaded guilty to manslaughter after driving for 1.5 kilometres on the wrong side of the Pacific Hwy at night while up to five times over the limit, and faced the Gosford District Court for a sentence hearing.

Collie was captured on CCTV passing the Doylo RSL southbound shortly before 8.30pm on Halloween — October 31, 2022.

While driving on the wrong side of the highway, motorists were flashing their lights and blaring their horns at him, before having to swerve out of his way.

Paul Anthony Collie, of Lake Munmorah, leaving Wyong Local Court after pleading guilty to a crash at Doyalson on Halloween 2022 that killed a man, 56. Picture: NewsLocal

At 8.30pm Collie’s 4WD slammed headfirst into a white Hyundai i30.

Collie was unconscious in his car while the other driver, Mr Douglass, was found with massive injuries and passed away prior to paramedics beginning treatment.

Collie’s car contained an empty wine bottle.

Following the incident, a search of Collie’s car revealed an empty wine bottle, an open but largely full wine cask, and an empty vodka bottle.

Collie was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery before being transferred to Rankin Park Brain Injury Rehabilitation. He remained there until his discharge to The Sanctuary disability accommodation at Tingira Heights. He suffered massive injuries in the crash and lasting physical and cognitive impacts.

A sample later returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.227.

The John Hunter Hospital. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

Caleb Douglass said his father was a strong and steady presence throughout his life.

“He was everything anyone could ever ask for from a father. He was an inspiration, a kind and loving soul, a shoulder to cry on, a role model to aspire to, a motivating figure and a guiding hand in the dark.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos NOVEMBER 17, 2021: Stock photo of the Gosford Court House on the Central Coast. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“You mad a choice to inebriate yourself to sickening standards. You chose to kill him that night, and you chose to destroy lives.

“I am truly disgusted to be standing before you, a vile person. I’m appalled that someone has so little regard but themselves, the cowardice you display, hiding behind a screen, shying away from the direct impact of your choice sickens me.

“I wished for so long you died an excruciating death that night, the you would have at least given us some relief that the world contained one less degenerate.

“Now I hope your life is filled with nothing but suffering, that in every waking moment you are tormented by your choices.

“I wish you nothing but a life of vast emptiness.”

In a written statement, Amara Douglass said the thoughtless action of Collie, ended her fathers life: “There is no excuse for that”.

Collie will be sentenced in court at a later date.

Originally published as Central Coast family of David Douglass offer drunk driver killer Paul Anthony Collie no remorse