Suspended P-plater Daniel Ratcliffe busted doing burnouts in Wollongong

A young driver who told cops he “didn’t know” why he was driving decided to show off during a Covid lockdown by doing a burnout so severe it shredded his tyres.

A suspended P-plater has faced court after a late-night burnout that completely decimated his rear tyres in front of a small crowd during Covid lockdown.

Daniel Ratcliffe, 22, was driving at North Wollongong about 10.40pm on June 30, when he conducted a burnout at the intersection of Ralph Black Drive and Montague St in a white Holden VS Commodore ute.

Court documents reveal he had already been pulled over by police that same day at Port Kembla and told officers he had no idea his licence had been suspended.

Daniel Ratcliffe pleaded guilty to doing burnouts in his Holden VS Commodore ute in front of a crowd. Picture: NSW Police

“Benefit of the doubt was provided to him and he was issued with a licence suspension advice notice,” a police fact sheet says.

Ratcliffe later drove to the North Wollongong intersection with a friend where he completed the burnout.

According to court documents, the burnout only stopped when “both rear tyres had burst and disintegrated, with the rubber slapping the side of the vehicle and sparks emitting from the steel rims”.

There were four other cars parked nearby with all occupants of the cars standing and watching the 22-year-old.

The burnout was so severe the tyres burst. Picture: NSW Police

Debris from the tyres including rubber and steel belts was strewn across the street.

Police approached the car as he “limped” and “hobbled” the vehicle towards the kerbside, according to court documents.

Smoke began rising from the back of the car and steam poured from the engine bay due to the ute overheating, with Ratcliffe’s passenger leaving the car fearing it was on fire.

Ratcliffe showed police his licence and underwent a roadside breath and drug test, which both returned negative results.

Rubber and debris was strewn on the street. Picture: NSW Police

Tyre marks were left on the road. Picture: NSW Police

When asked by police why he had been driving on a suspended licence, Ratcliffe answered “I dunno”.

The Dapto man was charged with aggravated burnout and drive while suspended, and he was also issued a Personal Infringement Notice for breaching the current Public Health Order.

His vehicle was issued a major defect notice.

Ratcliffe chose not to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday where lawyer Graeme Morrison entered a plea of guilty to both charges on his behalf.

He is due to be sentenced at the same court on August 24.