Dalby landscaper Trent Michael Patrick McGee sentenced after roundabout crash

A 24-year-old’s attempts to pin a crash on his girlfriend ended in an extraordinary police station meltdown, a court has been told.

Trent Michael Patrick McGee was sentenced in Dalby Magistrates Court for driving offences and for obstructing police after his arrest. Photo Gen Kennedy / Dalby Herald.

A 24-year-old landscaper has faced court after he crashed into a roundabout, before denying he was behind the wheel and arguing with police officers at the watch-house.

Trent Michael Patrick McGee appeared in Dalby Magistrates Court on November 25 for driving with a suspended licence, failing to provide specimen of breath for analysis and obstructing police officers.

Police found McGee about 3am on November 1 when a Mazda crashed into a roundabout at Orpen and Patrick streets in Dalby.

Police prosecutor Acting Sergeant Chris Willson told the court that McGee claimed to police he was drinking at the Criterion Hotel when his girlfriend picked him up, and that he was in the passenger seat when the crash occurred, but witnesses to the crash provided contrary versions that the defendant was the driver.

Sergeant Wilson said McGee failed to provide a roadside breath test, was taken to Dalby station, continuously responded with “no comment” and declined multiple opportunities to provide a sample for breath analysis.

He told the court McGee had to be physically removed from the chair he was seated on as he refused to move and was then taken to the watch-house.

McGee refused to change out of his clothes, which he was told was an offence as it was required as part of custody proceedings.

“They had to physically remove his clothes off him, he resisted and attempted to kick officers,” Sergeant Wilson said.

Sergeant Wilson said the final obstruct occurred when he was placed in a cell with mattresses and blankets and began tying his sheets in knots, which caused officers to be concerned about self-harm.

“When asked what he was doing he said, ‘life is life, it’s weird, you take my shorts and string I give you sheets, I could do the exact same thing’,” he said.

“He refused to comply with officer requests again and that he had no intention of leaving his initial cell.”

McGee’s defence lawyer, Michael McElhinney said the defendant didn’t offer any particular excuse or explanation for his behaviour which was abysmal.

“He understands he’s put himself in the serious position of doing what he’s done,” Mr McElhinney said.

Magistrate Kathleen Payne said McGee’s lie to the police was ludicrous and reflected poorly on his character.

“It’s such immature conduct on your part and all you are doing is wasting police resources, because meanwhile in the community someone’s being broken into by someone with a knife in their house but police are tied up dealing with you because you’re being belligerent,“ Ms Payne said.

McGee copped a seven-month licence disqualification and he was fined $1500. Convictions were recorded for the driving offences.