Broncos young gun TC Robati dodges conviction for swerving car in ‘stupid decision’

Brisbane Broncos young gun Teui ‘TC’ Robati has pleaded guilty to dangerously swerving a car across multiple lanes.

Broncos young gun Teui 'TC' Robati leaving the Magistrates Court after being sentenced for dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Brisbane Broncos young gun Teui “TC” Robati has been spared a conviction for dangerously swerving a car across multiple lanes during Mad Monday celebrations.

The 19-year-old was charged by police earlier this month after wild celebrations took a turn as his girlfriend drove him from a function that night.

Robati’s lawyer Dave Garratt said the rugby league star made a “stupid decision” to wrest control of the wheel while trying to navigate through Brisbane.

Teui 'TC' Robati leaves court with his lawyer Dave Garratt after pleading guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Robati, who debuted with the Broncos in Round 12 of the 2021 NRL season, pleaded guilty in Brisbane Arrests Court on Thursday to a single count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

The court was told Robati was a passenger in a car being driven down St Pauls Terrace in Fortitude Valley around 9.15pm on September 5.

He had asked his girlfriend to pick him up from a function.

Police prosecutor senior sergeant Mark Gordon said a miscommunication in directions resulted in Robati grabbing the steering wheel to turn into Amelia Street.

Witnesses had to brake suddenly to avoid the swerving vehicle.

The court was told Robati (pictured) took the steering wheel from his girlfriend in a “stupid decision” while trying to navigate on his phone, causing the car to swerve across multiple lanes.

Senior Sergeant Gordon told the court it was a dangerous operation at the “lower end” of the scale.

Mr Garratt said his client was remorseful and “extremely embarrassed” appearing for the first time before the courts.

He said Robati was navigating using the Maps application and directing his girlfriend before making the “stupid decision” to take the wheel.

The court was told he did not hold a licence but had undertaken a traffic offender’s program since being charged.

Mr Garratt said a fine was appropriate as he was likely to face further punishment from the Broncos club.

Magistrate Rosemary Gilbert imposed a $1000 fine, with no conviction recorded.

“It seems you have learned a good lesson about … your conduct, how it was dangerous and what you might consider if you were in a similar situation”, she said.

Robati was also disqualified from driving for six months.

Originally published as Broncos young gun TC Robati dodges conviction for swerving car in ‘stupid decision’