Lamb Island L-plater Hunter Jaylin Yates in court after joy ride

An 18-year-old learner driver and construction worker has faced court after taking his dad’s car for a joy ride with his sister, flipping the car, crashing into their own garage.

Hunter Jaylin Yates, 18, leaving Cleveland Magistrates Court. Picture: Danielle Noney.

An 18-year-old L-plater and construction worker has faced court after he decided to joy ride his dad’s car — into his own garage.

Lamb Island’s Hunter Jaylin Yates, 18, was staying on Lamb Island with his father on April 22 this year, when he decided to take his father’s car.

The court heard he had drunk alcohol, including beer and Jack Daniels, before trying to drive his sister to Macleay Island but he panicked and drove home, crashing the car as they arrived.

The court heard he flipped the car onto its side and into the garage.

“When police arrived on scene they observed a red Volvo on its passenger side,” the police prosecutor told Cleveland Magistrates Court.

“It was on its passenger side in the garage of the home.

“It appeared to have impacted the dwelling at speed.

“(Yates) confirmed he was the driver of the vehicle and that he was on his learners licence.

“He admitted that he had had some drinks prior to driving.”

The court heard Yates blew a breath analysis reading of 0.016 per cent.

His lawyer, Clancy Robba, said his client — who had pleaded guilty to driving while over the middle alcohol limit on a learner licence — was remorseful.

“He had consumed some beers, took his dad’s car without his permission with him and his sister to Macleay Island,” Mr Robba said.

“He had some Jack Daniels while he was there.

“His sister said she wanted to go home.

“His dad has then woken up and texted him asking where he was, he panicked and drove home quite quickly.

“He misjudged the corner and his vehicle ended up into the garage.

“It was a stupid mistake he accepts that.

“He did go to hospital, but there were no injuries and he was later released.”

The court heard Yates caused a total damage of approximately $45,000, which included the garage repairs and written off Volvo.

Acting Magistrate Sue Ganasan said Yates actions were reckless.

“It’s a pretty serious traffic crash,” Ms Ganasan said.

“I’m sure you are hardly popular for what you’ve done.

“What if you were injured?

“It had some serious consequences.

“It’s unacceptable.”

Yates was fined $600 and disqualified from driving for four months.

No convictions were recorded.