Ronald John Middlebrook in Taree court for ride-on mower burger run charge

A Mid-North Coast man who was busted driving a ride-on lawnmower through a busy roundabout while handling a Hungry Jack’s meal has had his bizarre matter thrown out of court.

Taree Hungry Jacks.

A man who drove his ride-on mower onto the street and through a roundabout at Taree with a burger on board has wound up in court – but his lawyer said he was only helping a mate.

Ronald John Middlebrook was detected riding the mower along Kanangra Dr about 3pm on April 19.

He was nabbed during the NSW Police Easter Long Weekend traffic operation.

At the time NSW Police issued a statement about the results of the operation highlighting the Taree case.

“Police observed a 63-year-old man allegedly driving a ride on lawnmower on Kanangra Drive and carrying a takeaway meal.

“It allegedly did not have registration plates, which are required on a vehicle exceeding 400kg.

Ronald John Middlebrook drove a ride-on mower on the road with some takeaway on board. The case was dismissed in Taree Local Court on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

“The man allegedly could not produce his driver’s licence and he allegedly had not held an active licence since 1986,” the police spokesman said.

Middlebrook was charged with being a never licensed person driving a vehicle on the road - first offence.

Taree courthouse

It was a fine-only offence and he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, it was heard in court.

When he fronted Taree Local Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Alison Hawkins asked Middlebrook’s lawyer: “Did he ride it down to Hungry Jack’s?”

His lawyer told the court that Middlebrook often mowed neighbours’ lawns, adding: “It is not a service he charges for.”

On the day he had finished mowing and on his way back home, a friend had bought a burger for him.

It was heard he was driving his mower along the footpath but a boat had obscured the way, so he made the unfortunate decision to go onto the road and enter a roundabout.

He has since registered the mower but due to a historic matter in Queensland he has been unable to obtain a license, his lawyer told the court.

Ms Hawkins dismissed the charge.