Nathan Cortes in court for assault, harassing and wilful damage

A 21-year-old labourer who was convicted over a fatal Bruce Hwy hit and run in 2020, has returned to court after letting his jealousy get the better of him. Read what the court heard.

A 21-year-old Gympie man, convicted over a horror fatal hit and run on the Bruce Hwy in 2020, has fronted court after he ambushed and attacked his ex-girlfriend’s new partner in a jealous rage.

Nathan James Cortes was supported by seven friends and family members during his appearance in Gympie Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The court heard Cortes’ first destroyed his now ex-partner’s phone and television after she told him she did not want to live with him anymore.

More than a month later, he harassed the woman by calling her phone 100 times and sending threatening texts, saying her “life will be hell” when she did not respond.

Nathan Cortes pleaded guilty to three charges, including wilful damage, assault occasioning bodily harm and a commonwealth charge of using a carrier service to harass someone else. Photo: Facebook

Less than a week later, Cortes followed the woman’s new partner home with the help of a few friends.

The court heard the new partner was unaware he was being followed by Cortes, who ambushed him and viciously attacked him when he tried to get out of his car.

The man sustained a cut to the forehead and a black eye during the attack.

Cortes fled the scene shortly after.

Defence lawyer Greg Wildie said his client was suffering from PTSD after he struck and killed a 48-year-old motorcyclist at high speed on the Bruce Hwy at Coles Creek on August 10, 2020.

The motorcyclist had deliberately stepped into traffic, the court heard.

Mr Wildie said his client was doing 130 in the 110 zone at the time of the accident, but continued driving instead of pulling over.

He later posted a Snapchat about what happened, the court heard.

Cortes was sentenced to four months behind bars for the accident, suspended for 14 months.

Mr Wildie said prior to that event, his client had no history of violence and no criminal record, and was held in high regard.

Several references tendered to the court confirmed this.

Mr Wildie said his client was seeing a psychologist to help deal with his PTSD after the accident.

Cortes pleaded guilty to three charges, including wilful damage (domestic violence offence), assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence) and a commonwealth charge of using a carrier service to harass someone else.

He was sentenced to six months behind bars suspended for 15 months, and given probation for the same time period.

After his verdict was handed down, Cortes was seen outside the courthouse hugging his supporters.

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