Wellington Point hoon's need for “mental health release’’ risked lives

“I’m hoping this has scared the absolute daylights out of you”: A bayside dad has fronted court for a messy hooning escapade that risked the lives of onlookers.

A bayside magistrate was left “infuriated” after watching police video of a hoon doing burnouts only metres from onlookers and power poles.

Wellington Point resident Joshua James Martin pleaded guilty in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 2, to one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle and one count of unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.

The court heard the 25-year-old father was caught dangerously driving on Finucane Rd, Alexandra Hills on March 17 this year.

“There were several people on the roadway, they were causing a large amount of smoke, causing visibility issues for other drivers,” police prosecutor Sergeant Angela Tetley said.

“This is deliberately placing members of our community in serious risk,” she said.

“He told police it was a mental health release for him.”

A Redlands hoon has fronted court for a Finucane Rd danger display. Picture: FILE

That court heard that same day he had been seen with stolen wheels and rims on his car.

“He stated he purchased it at a BBQ in Logan,” Sergeant Tetley said.

Martin’s lawyer, Tanya Dower, said her client was remorseful.

“He accepts what he did is dangerous, just sheer stupidity,” Ms Dower said.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta, who watched the video of the hooning incident in court, said it was completely dangerous.

“God, all those pedestrians, just metres away,” Ms Vasta said.

“All those power poles, they can’t even see them.

“It’s infuriates me, all the dirty marks on the road that we all have to take care of in the next few months.

“I’m hoping this has scared the absolute daylights out of you.”

Martin was convicted, ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and was disqualified from driving for six months.