Gary Christie of Redland Bay pleads guilty to wilful damage

A Bayside vigilante has risked his clean criminal record after taking the law into his own hands and teaching a cheeky P-plater an expensive lesson using a hatchet.

Gary Christie of Redland Bay pleaded guilty to wilful damage after trying to teach a speeding P plater a lesson. FILE PHOTO

A Cleveland vigilante has fronted court for the first time after taking the law into his own hands and punishing a young driver using a hatchet.

Redland Bay’s Gary Christie pleaded guilty to wilfully damaging a P-plater’s vehicle with a hatchet on May 6, 2024.

The 60-year-old appeared before Cleveland Magistrates Court after claiming the young driver was speeding through his estate on Pear St in Redland Bay.

A police prosecutor told the court Christie observed the young driver speeding through the streets despite his neighbour yelling at him to slow down.

“The driver went inside a property and while inside the defendant approached the car armed with a hatchet,” the prosecutor said.

“He struck the vehicle several times and smashed the rear windscreen, the front windshield, a side window and the bonnet.

“The victim said the defendant threatened him with violence, for which he is not being charged.

Police arrived at the property son after, photographed the vehicle and gave Christie a notice to appear, the court was told.

“We are seeking full restitution of $2500 for damages,” the prosecutor said.

“He should not have taken the law into his own hands.

“The point needs to be made more clearly that, while we appreciate people become frustrated, the community must log complaints with police.’’

Christie’s lawyer said the P-plater had been driving while his licence was suspended and he had a significant traffic history.

“That area is common for vehicle accidents due to speeding and alcohol consumption,” the lawyer said.

Magistrate Deborah Vasta said she understood Christie’s frustrations and took into account his early plea of guilty.

“You haven’t been in trouble before and I understand that day you must have been ready to snap and damage the young fellow’s car,” Ms Vasta said.

“In this society we have to be as tolerant as we can towards other people.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” she said.

Christie was ordered to pay full compensation for damages to the victim’s car and given a $300, 12-month good behaviour bond. No conviction was recorded.