Aaron Scott Learoyd pleads guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle

Businessman Aaron Learoyd used his four-wheel-drive to ram a man cutting grass on a ride-on mower in a dispute over a woman.

In an act of jealous rage, an Ipswich business owner with no criminal history drove his Toyota Landcruiser at a man on a ride-on lawnmower in a quiet country town.

An Ipswich court heard this week that the mower and its rider were pushed into a fence beside the Warrego Highway, following the dispute over a love interest.

The dangerous incident was described as being ‘insane’ by the magistrate.

Appearing for sentence, Aaron Scott Learoyd, 37, from Lanefield, pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle at Marburg on November 10, 2020.

Ipswich Magistrates Court heard that in the subsequent punch up, Learoyd suffered a broken nose.

Defence lawyer Natasha Shorter said the incident was extremely out of character for Learoyd, who had no criminal history.

Ms Shorter sought for a fine as penalty and argued for no conviction be recorded against him because of his good history and the impact it would have on his business as he needed a blue card to work with various government agencies.

Ms Shorter said a licence disqualification would also be a significant punishment.

Aaron Learoyd leaves Ipswich Courthouse after pleading guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Magistrate Jacqueline Payne said the agreed facts were that Learoyd was going into the Emu Farm at 2pm when he saw a man on a ride-on mower beside the Warrego Highway.

He drove 10 metres past the entry, then as the mower rider was cutting grass Learoyd deliberately drove his Landcruiser at him.

Ms Payne said Learoyd accused the man of having an affair with his partner.

“You drove at a fast walking pace and collided with the front end of the mower. Pushed it backwards three metres and into a fence,” Ms Payne said.

The man got off the damaged mower and though an open window began punching Learoyd, the court heard.

The men fought on the nature strip beside the Warrego Highway before leaving the scene.

Neither man made a complaint but a concerned witness contacted police.

Ms Payne said it was fortunate there had been no injuries but the mower received front and back-end damage when pushed into the fence.

“I am told that you allowed your emotions to get the better of you,” Ms Payne said.

“That is an understatement. Your actions that day were insane as it showed a complete lack of control by a mature man who otherwise operates in a very capable fashion.”

Learoyd was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for six months.

Finding it to his credit that he had never previously come before the justice system, Ms Payne said no conviction would be recorded.