Griffin resident, Clinton David Waterfield, sentenced for dangerous driving while under the influence

A Brisbane crane driver has been left in tears in the courtroom after he faced charges for ramming another car head-on, leaving himself and another driver hospitalised.

A Brisbane crane driver has told a Pine Rivers court he regrets deliberately ploughing head-on into another car in a crash which left both himself and the other driver hospitalised.

Griffin resident, Clinton David Waterfield, pleaded guilty in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court today, Friday June 3, to one count of dangerous driving and one count of low-range drink driving.

The court heard the 43-year-old Crane driver left his wife’s place in Griffin on February 14 at around 10pm after having a few drinks and was extremely emotional hearing the news that she wanted a separation.

The court heard an emotional Waterfield drove his silver Toyota Prado at an oncoming car, injuring its driver, before attempting to crash his car again which lead to the four-wheel-drive flipping and hitting a wall.

“(The other driver) tried to move into the left hand bike lane but the vehicle came straight towards him,” police prosecutor Constable Daniel Baulderstone said.

Clinton David Waterfield, 43, pleaded guilty in Pine Rivers Magistrates Court. Source: Facebook

The crash left both drivers in hospital with minor injuries.

“The facts in this matter are tragic,” Constable Baulderstone said.

“The defendant was going through a divorce at the time and he did aim his vehicle at another vehicle.”

The court heard Waterfield had been drinking prior to getting behind the wheel of the car.

“A specimen of blood was obtained and it returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.091 per cent.”

The crash left the other driver with several outstanding health issues, including extensive bruising.

“He now has ongoing back pain, and has had to give up weight training,” Constable Baulderstone said.

“He has been diagnosed with tinnitus - which is the ringing of the ears from airbag deployment and has frequent panic attacks after incident.”

Acting Magistrate Anne Gummow reviewed photographic evidence of the crash.

“It’s completely crumpled,” Magistrate Gummow said.

Waterfield’s lawyer, Brendan Whelan, said his client was not himself when the crash occurred.

“He was just overwhelmed with grief and his life just fell apart,” Mr Whelan said.

“He wasn’t thinking rationally at the time, he wasn’t the same man.”

Mr Whelan said his client was remorseful, as the defendant sat crying in the courtroom.

“He’s completely devastated that there was another driver injured and was extremely remorseful for it.

“He’s lucky to be sitting here next to me.”

Waterfield said he hoped the other driver recovered from the crash.

“I just wanted to do everything I could to keep my family together your honour,” Mr Waterfield said.

“My biggest regret is that I injured someone else, I just hope he is going to be OK psychologically.”

Mr Waterfield was convicted, fined $500, and disqualified from driving for six months for dangerous operation of a vehicle.

He received a $400 fine and a two months disqualification for drink driving, no conviction was recorded.

If you or someone you know needs help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.