Colin James Tupper in court for wounding and causing bodily harm

A Gympie father has faced a Brisbane court after running down two of his neighbours in a car, leaving a woman critically injured.

Colin James Tupper, 36, has been jailed for eight years after running down two of his neighbours, Carla and Brett Benson, in a vehicle while they were walking their dogs, leaving them with serious injuries.

A 36-year-old man has been jailed for eight years after running down two of his neighbours in his car as they walked their dogs, leaving one with critical injures.

Colin James Tupper pleaded guilty in June 2025, in the Brisbane Supreme Court to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the shocking incident on the Southside, Gympie, on May 22, 2023.

Tupper’s victims, his neighbours Carla and Brett Benson, had been walking their two dogs at night on Sorensen Rd when they became embroiled in an argument with Tupper.

During the fight Tupper got in his car and tried to run them over.

Mrs Benson suffered multiple serious injuries to her head and chest and was flown to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in a critical condition.

Colin James Tupper, 36, has been jailed for eight years after running down two of his neighbours, Carla and Brett Benson, in a vehicle while they were walking their dogs, leaving them with serious injuries.

Mr Benson suffered leg injuries and was treated at Gympie Hospital.

Tupper was initially charged with two counts of attempted murder but at an April 4, 2025 arraignment at the Brisbane court these charges were discontinued.

On June 6, he pleaded guilty to the two alternate grievous bodily harm charges, as well as failing to remain at the scene and render assistance, and drink driving.

He was sentenced to eight years jail with parole eligibility from May 22, 2026 owing to 745 days pre-sentence custody already served, and has been banned from driving for two years.