Courtney Rebecca Simmons pleads guilty to reckless driving causing grievous bodily harm

A North Queensland mum has pleaded guilty to causing a serious crash that left a 29-year-old man with critical injuries. LATEST

A Mackay region mum has pleaded guilty to reckless driving over a serious highway crash, but she has questioned the extent of the injuries caused.

A 29 year old Sarina man was left fighting for his life following the two-vehicle crash on the Bruce Highway at Alligator Creek on August 18, 2023, which sent a silver 1997 Toyota LandCruiser flipping down an embankment just after 7am.

Three of its passengers were injured, including the 29 year old who suffered critical injuries and was flown to Townsville University Hospital.

A two vehicle crash at Alligator Creek closed both lanes of the Bruce Highway at 7am on August 18, 2023. Photo: Heidi Petith.

As a result of police investigations Courtney Rebecca Simmons was charged with driving without due care and attention or drive without reasonable consideration for other person using road causing grievous bodily harm, to which she pleaded guilty on Tuesday.

However her lawyer Marcus Hahn, of McKays Solicitors, said there was still dispute with prosecution as to the degree of harm and asked for a two-week adjournment for medical material that “speaks to the injury”.

Courtney Rebecca Simmons pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing grievous bodily harm on March 19, 2024 in relation to a crash in Alligator Creek on August 18, 2023. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Magistrate Damien Dwyer said a guilty plea meant Ms Simmons “accepts” her actions caused grievous bodily harm - which has a specific definition under the Criminal Code - noting “that’s the law”.

Mr Hahn said she did accept the charge of grievous bodily harm but wanted to advance evidence on the agreed statement of facts about the severity of injuries between both parties going into her sentence.

Mr Dwyer directed all medical statements be provided by April 19 and the matter was set for hearing on June 3 to settle any dispute as to the facts.

Ms Simmon’s bail was enlarged. She did not respond when asked for comment on her way out of Mackay Courthouse.