Drunk driver Samuel Potter jailed by Beenleigh Court for 2021 Crestmead crash
A drunk driver who crashed into an 18-year-old woman while three times the limit has told a court of his deep shame after the victim’s parents were told she may not survive.
Logan
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A drunk driver who caused horrific injuries to the 18-year-old driver of the car he crashed into has been jailed by a Logan court.
New Zealand man Samuel Kenneth Koa Potter read a letter of apology in Beenleigh District Court on January 30, 2023 where he spoke of the immense guilt and shame he felt after nearly killing an 18-year-old woman.
Potter, 23, pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
The court heard that on January 24, 2021 the victim Summer Rose Mills was driving in Crestmead after dropping a friend off.
At 1am on Bumstead Rd, with her pet dog Diesel in the back of her car, Ms Mills’ RAV4 was struck by Potter’s Holden Commodore, head-on from the opposite side of the road.
The court heard Potter was exceeding the speed limit of 60 km/h and crossed into the path of Mills from the right lane.
Witnesses heard a car screeching and arrived at the scene to help.
Emergency services spent one hour lifting Ms Mills from her damaged car before she was taken to hospital.
Potter was also taken to hospital and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.169 per cent — three times the legal limit.
He addressed the court and Ms Mills in a letter of apology where he said he took full responsibility for a reckless decision that night.
“I am deeply and wholeheartedly sorry,” he said.
“When I woke up in the hospital I thought ‘what have I done’?”
“I have felt immense guilt and shame and I am just grateful we are both still here as I know the consequences of my actions could have taken lives.”
Ms Mills recalled to the court in a powerful victim impact statement that she saw a bone poking out of her arm, couldn’t move her wrist and felt trapped inside the car.
“People say I am lucky to be alive but for a long time I didn’t want to be,” she said.
“No matter what they say, nobody will understand what this car crash has taken from me.”
Ms Mills’ family dog Diesel had to be euthanized after the crash and the loss added to the mental suffering she endured in the wake of the crash.
Judge Craig Chowdhury said the circumstances of the crash were horrific and the impact was profound and would be lifelong.
He sentenced Potter to four years’ jail, to be suspended after serving 14 months actual prison time.
His license was also disqualified for three years.
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