Tandoori Flames worker Marc Sutherland fined for ‘bizarre’ driving

A police car had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision with a Coolum kitchen-hand driving on the wrong side of the road before he was busted for dealing drugs.

A magistrate has warned a Coolum kitchen-hand he should have his “bags packed” and be ready for prison if he offends again after the 37-year-old was busted for dealing drugs and evading police.

The court heard Marc Jeffery Sutherland, who works at Tandoori Flames in Coolum Beach, was driving on the wrong side of the road on Eumundi-Noosa Rd towards an oncoming police car at 1:10am on June 3, 2021.

The erratic moment cost him after he was served up a hefty fine in Noosa Magistrates Court this week.

Police prosecutor Nick Nitschke said the Mitsubishi sedan did not have its headlights on and police had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision with Sutherland’s vehicle.

“The defendant failed to stop and was located a short distance away after crashing, which damaged the front passenger wheel,” Sergeant Nitschke said.

Marc Jeffery Sutherland leaving Noosa Magistrates Court.

“He didn’t have a reason for not stopping and stated he panicked.”

Police then searched his car and found a black sports bag with $1600 worth of marijuana “bud” inside, along with a small amount of methamphetamine, scissors and a pipe.

They also discovered a mobile phone with multiple messages revealing Sutherland had been supplying marijuana to others.

When police arrested Sutherland he resisted and was “throwing his arms around”.

The court was told Sutherland had been being convicted of drug offences for nearly 20 years.

His solicitor Ben Rynderman said his client had “complicated mental health issues” and suffered from panic attacks and anxiety.

Marc Jeffery Sutherland leaving Noosa Magistrates Court.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin described the driving as “extremely dangerous” and “bizarre”.

“It was only good luck that it wasn’t another car or person you crashed into,” Mr McLaughlin said.

“If you come back for drug offending in the next two years bring your bags packed, we've had enough of it.”

Sutherland pleaded guilty to evading police, obstructing a police officer, possessing drugs, supplying drugs and possessing utensils in Noosa Magistrates Court this week.

Mr McLaughlin fined Sutherland $6850 for the evasion offence and handed him three months’ prison suspended for two years for the other charges.

Convictions were recorded.