Steven Paul Thompson: Caboolture man’s ‘absolute regret and sorrow’ after running from accident scene

A man who legged it after a crashing into another car while driving drunk on Brisbane’s northside says he still sees the victim’s face.

A man who smashed into another vehicle while driving drunk says the other driver’s face is “imprinted” in his mind.

Caboolture man Steven Paul Thompson appeared unrepresented in the Sandgate Magistrates Court facing three charges stemming from a traffic accident.

The 51-year-old pleaded guilty to three charges including fail to comply with duties of driver involved in a crash near Taigum Shopping Centre.

The court heard Thompson failed to give way to a vehicle on Beams Rd at Zillmere on September 2.

The court was also told Thompson’s blood alcohol reading was over the middle alcohol reading but not the high alcohol reading, registering at .132.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Henri Rantala told the court Thompson and the other driver “exchanged looks” after the crash.

“He failed to give way as unit two (the victim) had right of way as the defendant had a give way sign,” he said.

“The defendant pulled out onto Beams Rd and subsequently pulled into the driver’s side door (of the victim).

“After the collision, the victim and defendant then exchanged looks, he then decamped from the scene, she (the victim) followed him … the defendant left his vehicle and entered into one of the units without talking to the driver.

“He failed to stop and exchange any details.”

The court heard officers arrived at the scene about 7.20pm, and police were advised of the defendant's location.

“Police spoke with the defendant and observed slurred speech, slow to respond and difficult to respond to instructions and they could smell the strong scent of liquor,” Sgt Rantala said.

“A breath test was conducted … with a reading of .132.

“The defendant has quite an extensive traffic and criminal history.”

Thompson addressed the court, stating he didn’t go into the unit and confirmed he spoke with the driver of the other vehicle.

“There’s no contest to the reading,” he said.

Thompson handed a letter of support from Lives Lived Well, where he is currently residing.

“The first thing I’d like to express is my absolute regret and sorrow to the lady I hit,” Thompson said.

“I remember seeing her face when she did catch up to me, it’s imprinted in my mind and I did cause her extreme fear.

“I’m extremely sorry for that.

“I’ve been on the wrong side of the law for the best part of my life.”

The court heard Thompson had been involved in a similar incident earlier this year.

Magistrate Jennifer Batts said she took into account the very early plea of guilty.

“Incidents like this risk so much more for anyone that shares the road with you,” she said.

“Hopefully you don’t find yourself back here.”

He was convicted and fined $1000.

Thompson was also disqualified from driving for nine months.