Nathaniel Hartwick-Buck loses leg in crash, commits crimes on the Sunshine Coast

A serial offender who lost his leg in a failed criminal escapade, and caused a good Samaritan to be hit by a car, has admitted to later stealing a landscaper’s vehicle and leading the owners on a wild chase.

Nathaniel Marsden Hartwick-Buck appeared in court by video from prison on Wednesday. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A court has heard how a notorious Sunshine Coast criminal lost his lower leg during a failed criminal escape, which led to a good Samaritan being hit by a car.

Despite this grievous injury in 2022, Nathaniel Marsden Hartwick-Buck appeared in court again on Wednesday for more criminal offences, this time taking off with a landscaper’s car and trailer.

His continued illegal escapades were revealed in Maroochydore Magistrates Court after the 29-year-old pleaded guilty to seven charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a car.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman said the concerning driving involved the Tewantin man stealing a 2004 Holden Rodeo in front of its owners in Coolum Beach.

The court heard this occurred after a heated argument between Hartwick-Buck and the victims before he said “look what I’m going to do now”. He then fled with the car.

Sergeant Newman said the victims called police but decided to tail Hartwick-Buck who was speeding and swerving through traffic while driving through red lights.

At one stage, the court heard the 29-year-old reversed into the pursuing witness’ vehicle before he drove over a mounted kerb when an officer tried to stop him.

Hartwick-Buck lost his lower leg several years ago.

Hartwick-Buck also admitted to stealing a $4000 bicycle from an underground car park.

The police prosecutor said Hartwick-Buck had come before the court for similar offences in the past for driving in stolen cars on the Sunshine Coast, citing his significant Queensland and Victorian criminal history.

Sergeant Newman said the 29-year-old even had his lower leg amputated following a car crash where he drove disqualified, without due care and attention and with a drug in his system.

The court was told the Tewantin man had a single-vehicle crash and freed himself from the wreckage, however was struck by an oncoming car. This caused the grievous injury that led to his amputation.

Sergeant Newman said a witness who stopped to assist Hartwick-Buck was also struck by the car.

Defence lawyer Ben Rynderman said Hartwick-Buck came from a prejudicial upbringing after growing up in the Melbourne suburb of Doveton.

Hartwick-Buck (right) after his accident. Picture: Facebook

He was a decent sportsman, however, fell into a life of drugs and crime and eventually moved to Queensland. The Tewantin man was also a father with another child on the way.

Mr Rynderman said the 29-year-old, who appeared in court by video from jail where he’s been for six months, was denied the use of his prosthetic lower limb while on remand.

His lawyer said the amputee was forced to use a wheelchair in custody, which made his time more difficult.

Magistrate Rod Madsen acknowledged the Tewantin man’s letter of remorse to the court but questioned how Hartwick-Buck could continue criminal offending which also led to him losing his leg.

Hartwick-Buck was jailed for two and a half years and disqualified from driving for three years.

His parole release date was set at February 20.