NewsBite

Matthew Anthony Mcquistan in court for riding motorbike dangerously

A man in his 20s has faced court after riding his motorcycle dangerously in an inner Gympie street where two schools are located, and then fleeing police when they tried to stop him.

Matthew Anthony Mcquistan (left) leaving court after being convicted in Gympie Magistrate court of dangerous operation of a vehicle and evading police.
Matthew Anthony Mcquistan (left) leaving court after being convicted in Gympie Magistrate court of dangerous operation of a vehicle and evading police.

A young man barely out of his teens has been fined more than $8000 after pleading guilty to riding a motorbike dangerously and then evading police when they tried to stop him.

Matthew Anthony Mcquistan, 20, was riding dangerously in Bligh Street in Gympie on May 3, 2024, when a motorbike police officer tried to stop him, the court was told.

He kept speeding as an act of evading the police.

Defence lawyer Kristy Koo said Mcquistan grew up in a rough family with both parents separating early in his childhood.

“His mother used drugs and his father was and is an alcoholic,” she said.

The court also heard that Mcquistan has involved in heavy use of drugs and alcohol but had been sober for two years.

Matthew Anthony Mcquistan walks away from Gympie Magistrates court after being convicted of dangerous operation of a vehicle and evading police on Thursday
Matthew Anthony Mcquistan walks away from Gympie Magistrates court after being convicted of dangerous operation of a vehicle and evading police on Thursday

“Mcquistan was born in Townsville, grew up in Townsville and went to school there until grade 11.”

He had done some courses to advance his life including certificate 1 in Mechanic and certificate 2 in Construction, the court was told.

“He is now considering going back to live and work with his father doing concreting,” Ms Koo said.

Magistrate Bevan Hughes said he wanted Mcquistan to have a good and long life.

“I’m glad you’re here today because your life is meaningful, I want your life to be a good life and a long life. I know you have gone through a lot but your life is meaningful and you should stop breaking the rules,” he said.

Mcquistan was fined $8065 and disqualified from driving for two years.

More Gympie News here:

Driver killed in horror Bruce Hwy crash at Bauple

A new clothing store will open in Imbil this weekend after relocating from its home of 16 years in Kenilworth.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/police-courts/matthew-anthony-mcquistan-in-court-for-riding-motorbike-dangerously/news-story/3a0796f8b73a334dd9d53d00d0678e8f