Driver Jakob Thornton granted bail after two police officers injured in Leumeah RBT crash
The young driver who severed the foot of one police officer and injured another when he allegedly ploughed his car into them at an RBT while texting has been granted bail.
Macarthur
Don't miss out on the headlines from Macarthur. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE young driver who severed the foot of one police officer and injured another when he allegedly ploughed his car into them at an RBT while texting has been granted bail.
Jakob Thornton, 22, appeared before the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday following his arrest in February after he allegedly drove his Fiat van into two officers at a road side breath test on Campbelltown Rd, Leumeah at 8.20pm on Friday, February 16.
Justice Peter Hamill granted the young driver bail telling the court he had excellent community support and had complied with previous driving suspensions imposed on him by the Roads and Maritime Services.
Thornton was allegedly distracted because he was sending a text on his mobile when he crashed into senior constables Jonathon Wright and Matthew Foley.
A court had previously heard Thornton admitted to looking at his phone for between 10 and 20 seconds before he allegedly mowed down into the two senior constables.
Appearing via audio-visual link from jail, Thornton appeared nervous throughout proceedings.
Thornton already had four court ordered licence suspensions and was banned from driving in 2016 for using his mobile phone while behind the wheel.
He is charged with two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle as well as a charge of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and driver use mobile phone when not permitted.
Snr constable Wright’s injuries were so severe he had his foot amputated 15cm up his leg, a police fact sheet said.
Snr constable Foley suffered a fractured leg.
Although Thornton’s serious charges normally result in a custodial sentence if convicted, Justice Hamill noted a lengthy period was expected before he even received a committal hearing.
Justice Hamill dismissed prosecution claims that Thornton may fail to appear when his matter is next heard in Campbelltown Local Court next month or pose a danger to the community, because as he stated Thornton doesn’t own a car or a passport.
Justice Hamill ordered Thornton to reside at a home in Bankstown and report to the local police weekly, not to drive and to be of good behaviour.