Keith Norman Middleton loses licence for life after crash

Banned for life: At 23 this driver has been disqualified 16 times, jailed 13, convicted for dangerous driving four times and has led police on seven chases. His last act of stupidity almost killed him.

Keith Norman Middleton has been disqualified from driving for life.

A Nanango man’s shocking history behind the wheel culminated in a horrific crash high on meth where he almost died and was left with critical brain injuries and in a coma for weeks.

Keith Norman Middleton, 23, is in jail and lost his licence for life on Friday, November 25, after his long list of traffic offences was read to the Murgon Magistrates Court by an almost incredulous police officer.

Middleton appeared for sentencing in custody via video link, after 440 days in jail.

He pleaded guilty to driving an unregistered vehicle while he was disqualified, to dangerous driving while high on drugs, to possessing dangerous drugs and utensils, and to four other charges from July 2, 2021.

He had been disqualified from driving 16 times since 2017, the court heard.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens said Middleton had the worst traffic offending history he had ever seen and that he needed to know that holding a licence was a privilege, not a right.

Keith Norman Middleton has been disqualified from driving 16 times since 2017, now he has been disqualified for life, but not before his reckless driving nearly cost him his life.

“He has been convicted of driving while disqualified 16 times, jailed 13 times, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle four times, evading police on seven occasions, one undue noise and one undue care and attention (while driving),” Sgt Stevens said.

“(Middleton) was driving a vehicle on the Bunya Highway and was observed by a person to be swerving all over the road towards Wondai.

He approached a 60km zone and crossed over the line into the path of an oncoming vehicle and quickly moved onto the gravel shoulder,” Sgt Steven told the court.

“The driver of the oncoming vehicle said the defendant appeared to be almost asleep. (Middleton) lifted his head and swerved into the path of another vehicle.

“The other vehicle broke, Middleton then fishtailed out to the opposite shoulder and collided with a tree.”

The court heard Middleton was removed from the vehicle by emergency services and flown to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane in a critical condition.

23-year-old Keith Norman Middleton.

Rose Gold Legal representative Jay Rose said Middleton had never sustained paid employment and at the time of the accident was taking 1.5 points of methamphetamines daily.

“He was in hospital for 38 days and suffers from memory fog,” she said.

“He has made efforts to complete a drug and alcohol course and is focused on his fitness and health.”

Magistrate Michael Holohan said Middleton needed to demonstrate to the community he had terrorised that he was fit to obtain a licence in the future.

Middleton was sentenced to 18 months jail for dangerous operation of a vehicle and 16 months jail for driving while disqualified, to be served concurrently.

He was disqualified from driving for life and convictions were recorded.