‘Extremely embarrassed’ Bronco TC Robati hit with $1000 fine after car stunt

Brisbane Broncos player TC Robati has been fined $1000 and disqualified from driving for six months following an incident where he grabbed the steering wheel of a car his girlfriend was driving.

Brisbane Broncos player TC Robati has been slapped with a $1000 fine and disqualified from driving for six months over a dangerous driving incident during the team’s post-season celebrations.

Robati, 19, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday to one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Mark Gorton told the court Robati had been the passenger in a car driven by his girlfriend on September 5 when he pulled on the steering wheel when they missed a turn in Fortitude Valley.

Broncos young gun Teui ‘TC; Robati leaving the Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Snr Sgt Gorton said Robati’s actions caused the car to swerve dangerously, and if not for the wide opening of Amelia Street where the incident occurred, it is likely the vehicle would have struck other parked cars.

The prosecutor told the court Robati’s offending was at the lower end of the scale for a charge of that nature.

Defence lawyer Dave Garratt appeared for Robati and said the young footballer was remorseful for his actions.

“Your honour this is his first time before the court,” Mr Garratt said.

“He’s extremely nervous, he’s extremely embarrassed about being here and extremely remorseful for his actions on that night.”

He said the New Zealand-born Robati had completed a driver education program in the wake of the incident and now understood the seriousness of his actions.

“His girlfriend has picked him up…he was holding the phone, he was directing her on the maps and he’s made the stupid decision to pull the steering wheel from her hands,” Mr Garratt said.

“It really hadn’t hit home to Mr Robati until completing that program of what potentially could have happened…”

“The unfortunate circumstance for Mr Robati is this doesn’t just stop here today when he walks out of court, your honour will see from the reference there is penalties that could be imposed by his club and that could be monetary fines and also more community engagement which he’s willing to do.”

Teui 'TC' Robati outside the Brisbane Magistrates Court. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert fined Robati $1000, disqualified him from driving for six months and did not record a conviction.

“The conduct that took place at 9.20pm in Fortitude Valley, obviously she was taken unawares by the fact you were going to grab the steering wheel and your conduct resulted in vehicle travelling in manner that was indeed dangerous, especially at that time of night in that amount of traffic,” she said.

“…it seems learnt a good lesson at least about how your conduct may have affected others, how it was dangerous and what you might consider if you were in a similar situation in future.”

Magistrate Gilbert took into account a reference letter from the Broncos Wellbeing and Education Manager Adam Walsh who said Robati was genuinely remorseful for his actions and that he faced further sanctions from the club.

“No doubt there will be consequences for you arising from your current engagement with the Broncos,” the magistrate said.

“That is also something that will be extra punishment.

“It’s unfortunate that the matter has to come to court for you to realise that your actions would have been dangerous, nevertheless I accept that you have learnt that lesson.”

Originally published as ‘Extremely embarrassed’ Bronco TC Robati hit with $1000 fine after car stunt