Nathan Farrugia in court for road rage at Mooloolaba State School

School pick-up suddenly turned “terrifying” for one Sunshine Coast mum when she was targeted by an enraged dad who damaged her car beyond repair. Read what he did.

An enraged Sunshine Coast dad-of-two who smashed a woman’s car windscreen and ripped off all the door handles outside a busy school has faced court for the attack.

Nathan Farrugia, 31, was given three months’ prison suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay $5000 restitution in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on September 1, 2022.

The court heard there was an incident between Farrugia’s partner and the female victim a day prior over car parking spaces.

The next day at school pick up time outside Mooloolaba State School at 2.30pm on December 3, 2021, , Farrugia saw the woman who had been involved in the road rage incident and approached her car.

Police prosecutor David Hoffman said Farrugia ripped every door handle off the locked vehicle attempting to gain entry, snapped the windscreen wipers from the vehicle and also smashed the windscreen with force.

“The defendant's actions were deliberate, he was highly motivated to get into the victim's vehicle,” Senior Constable Hoffman said.

Nathan Farrugia, 31, was given three months’ prison suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay $5000 restitution in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on September 1, 2022.

Constable Hoffman said the “ferocity” of the unprovoked attack would have left the victim feeling very terrified.

“This has had a considerable impact on her and it’s changed the way she goes about her day,” he told the court.

Defence solicitor Matthew Cooper said his client had two children and worked as a concreter.

“His upbring was good, his family are supportive ... he has previously volunteered at Mooloolaba State School,” Mr Cooper said.

“His partner speaks of his general good character.”

Mr Cooper said Farrugia’s bail conditions that restrict him from going within 100m of the school have caused some difficulties in his life with his partner being solely responsible for school duties.

“That has impacted upon her ability to obtain employment so my client has been the sole income earner for the family,” he said.

“He has a prior diagnosis of anxiety and depression.

“He accepts he lost his temper and it would’ve been a frightening experience for the complainant.”

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin said Farrugia was “carrying on like a lunatic” and “acting like an ape”.

The 31-year-old damaged the $11,000 car beyond repair, the court heard.

Convictions were recorded against Farrugia who pleaded guilty to threatening violence, wilful damage and public nuisance.