Damon Neville Vesey-Brown sentenced for dangerous and drug driving offences in Noosa

A Sunshine Coast father was caught drug driving before evading police by driving on the wrong side of the road while on a probationary licence in Noosa.

A Sunshine Coast father was caught drug driving before evading police by accelerating away on the wrong side of the road on a probationary licence less than two weeks later in Noosa.

Damon Neville Vesey-Brown, 48, pleaded guilty at Caloundra Magistrates Court via video link on Thursday, May 12, 2022 to six driving-related offences.

Vesey-Brown was sentenced for three counts of drug driving while on a probationary licence, one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, one count of driving without a license authority, and one count of evading police.

The court heard the 48-year-old’s offences began on November 18, 2021, when he was found driving while on drugs in Noosaville on a probationary licence.

He was then caught five days later in Tewantin with drugs in his system while behind the wheel.

Vesey-Brown was discovered again on December 1, 2022 in Noosa Heads under the influence with a suspended license before he ignored and evaded police by driving on the wrong side of the road.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Stu Lydford told the court the vehicle driven by Vesey-Brown was found a short time later abandoned with a damaged tyre.

“While it was only for a short duration, it was the decision to drive in the manner he did that shows how quickly these offences can escalate and the harm they potentially put others in.” Sergeant Lydford said.

“It was good fortune that no one was injured or involved in anything.”

He said the 48-year-old had spent 93 days in custody for his previous offences and asked for a head sentence of six months’ imprisonment concurrent with other rulings.

Defence lawyer Braden Milburn said Vesey-Brown had a complicated history of drugs has fronted court for similar previous charges as a result.

Mr Milburn said Vesey-Brown’s son was murdered at age 23 which pushed him to extremity of his drug use.

He said Vesey-Brown found work for a furniture warehouse prior to being remanded in custody for previous offending.

Magistrate Catherine Benson said Vesey-Brown’s past traffic offences were considered in her sentencing.

“I’ve taken into account your history and I accept that although your past dangerous driving record is very dated, I have to read alongside that your traffic history which is very appalling,” Ms Benson said.

“Particularly taking into account a lot of that time you’ve actually been in custody.”

Vesey-Brown received a head sentence of six months’ imprisonment for the dangerous driving charge concurrent with his other offences and was granted immediate parole.

His driver’s licence was also suspended for two years.

Convictions were recorded.