Benjamin Gregory Robertson pleads guilty to dangerous operation of a car at Pelican Waters

A driver has had the brakes pulled on his licence after he was seen driving dangerously by PolAir.

Benjamin Gregory Robertson faced Caloundra Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

A Banya “car enthusiast” has been taken off the road after he was caught hooning on the Sunshine Coast by a police helicopter.

PolAir officers witnessed the movements of Benjamin Gregory Robertson as he drove dangerously around Pelican Waters on October 19 last year, in what prosecutor Michael Quirk said was prolonged.

Mr Quirk said the 22-year-old’s car was seen performing burnouts and drifts, which came to the attention of the police helicopter.

Caloundra Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how Robertson was followed by PolAir, which advised police on the ground and he was intercepted while driving dangerously.

He was later charged and had his car was immobilised for 90 days.

Robertson was pinged driving unlicensed by police at Baringa on November 21 last year, weeks after the hooning incident, which led to his registered Suzuki Swift being impounded. The court heard this was not the car involved in the first incident. 

Defence solicitor Rowena Ferrall said Robertson was a “car enthusiast” and got involved in the “burnout scene” in Caloundra after buying himself a fast car.

Robertson outside court. Picture: Sam Turner

Ms Ferrall said her client apologised for his actions and stated there was no reason for his behaviour besides “foolishness”.

She told the court the driving unlicensed offence came one day after he was demerit point suspended.

Magistrate Catherine Benson spoke of how the Banya man’s driving behaviour was popular in Caloundra among young people, who considered themselves excellent drivers with little experience.

Robertson pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and driving without a licence and was placed on an 18-month probation order.

He was also disqualified from driving for six months and fined $600.

No conviction was recorded for the dangerous driving charge. Ms Benson also ordered his impounded car be released.