Steven Robert Loadsman in court for dangerous driving, public nuisance

A Sunshine Coast man abused staff on at Noosa venue before he went on a driving “rampage” in his company car down a popular nearby glitter strip.

Steven Robert Loadsman. Photo: Social media

A Sunshine Coast car salesman has faced court after a night out at a Noosa venue led to a “rampage” in a company car down Hastings St.

Steven Robert Loadsman represented himself in the Noosa Magistrates Court on Tuesday, April 23, where he pleaded guilty to public nuisance and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

The court was told Loadsman had been drinking at the Noosa Surf Club on March 7 when police were called to the venue at 11.15pm to reports a man had smashed a pot plant and was causing a disturbance.

Police prosecutor David Hoffmann said a staff member at the surf club told police Loadsman had verbally abused him outside the venue and smashed a pot plant before walking down Hastings St, kicking over wheelie bins and scattering rubbish all over the road.

Senior Sergeant Hoffmann said the Loadsman was then seen getting behind the wheel of a dark Toyota Prado Landcruiser, which police saw driving erratically on Noosa Dr, near Hastings St, while on their way to the surf club.

“Police were (then) flagged down by members of the public who stated the vehicle had just driven over the middle of the roundabout,” Senior Sergeant Hoffmann said.

Police patrolled down Hastings St and discovered a road sign had been damaged, along with a broken pot plant and rubbish all over the road.

Loadsman went on a rampage in his vehicle.

Senior Sergeant Hoffmann said police tracked down the Toyota, which was registered to Sunco Motors in Maroochydore.

CCTV footage showed Loadsman walking in a disorderly manner down Hastings St, and showed his erratic driving.

The car was later found in a damaged condition at Kings Beach early on March 9 by a Sunshine Coast Council worker, who notified the general manager of Suncoast Motors.

Loadsman told the court he lost his job at Suncoast Motors as a car salesman over the incident, but was rehired three days later after he demonstrated commitment to bettering his life.

He told the court he was working through what he thought was a drug addiction at the time, but soon realised he had a bigger issue with drinking.

He said he was drinking at the time of the incident, but was now rehabilitating and had big plans for his life.

He expected to have to pay for the damages to the company car.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan said the community “can’t have people rampaging down Hastings Street”, given how busy it was.

Loadsman was fined $1200 over the incident. Convictions were recorded.