Tyler Phillips high LSD when he crashed into oncoming traffic on highway
A young man told police he was “on Mars” and “in a spaceship” after he smashed into another vehicle while driving down the wrong side of a busy highway during a drug-induced trip.
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A young man who drove high on LSD, crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding with another vehicle, has escaped jail time.
Tyler Phillips, 21, told police “I’m on Mars, I’m in a spaceship” after crashing into oncoming traffic on the Princes Highway at Figtree on November 2 last year.
Phillips, of Vincentia faced Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday where he was sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order by Magistrate Susan McGowan after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of drugs and not give particulars to other driver.
Despite his lawyer arguing he was a “good kid who made a bad mistake” and asking for a non-conviction, Magistrate McGowan said the offence was very serious and needed to set an example for other drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs.
“This is miles and miles away from non-conviction, in his wildest dreams that could not happen,” she said.
“People come before this court after making silly, silly mistakes, but silly mistakes can cost people their lives.”
According to court documents, Phillips was staying at the Sovereign Motel in Figtree with a female friend when he took a tab and a half of LSD around 4.30pm.
Six hours later he jumped behind the wheel of a Honda Civic and drove from the motel onto the wrong side of the Princes Highway into oncoming traffic.
He travelled just 30 metres down the road where he had a near-miss with a white utility. The close call didn’t phase Phillips, who was still heavily under the influence of the LSD, and he continued on the wrong side of the road without headlights.
Seconds later he crashed head-on with Mazda 2, causing enough damage that both vehicles needed to be towed.
After the crash the driver of the Mazda asked Phillips for his details, who went on with “nonsensical conversation”.
When police arrived, he denied he’d been drinking, however admitted he’d “taken acid”.
In the documents, police at the scene described Phillips as “totally incoherent”, saying he had confused speech, was unable to stand upright, and “looked dishevelled” with his jumper on backwards and inside out.
The court heard Phillips continuously asked where he was and “if his mind was actually working or if he was in the minds of police”. He also made comments like “I’m on Mars. I’m in a spaceship”, and “is this real life? Can I touch you?”.
On Tuesday, his defence lawyer told the court he was genuinely remorseful and the incident was “completely out of character”.
He also told the court Phillips was still trying to piece the night of November 2 together, and that he didn’t know why he got behind the wheel in the first place.
Magistrate McGowan said that while he may have shown remorse, he was lucky he didn’t seriously injure himself or someone else.
“I cannot imagine the terror the drivers (of the other vehicles) must have felt when they saw someone coming toward them the wrong way with no lights on,” she said.
“Fortunately the damage wasn’t extensive as it could have been and he is here to tell the tale.
“The message has to go out to young people …. You cannot take a substance and drive. It’s a big no no.”
As part of his sentence Phillips will have to complete 100 hours of community service and will be disqualified from driving for a period of 12 months.