Brett Leonard Round: Former driving instructor and truck driver hits Tesla on Gold Coast M1

A former advanced driving instructor has been sentenced after he ‘nudged’ a Tesla, tailgated and failed to stay in his lanes amid chaotic driving on the M1. Watch the video here.

A former advanced driving instructor who “nudged” a Tesla, tailgated and failed to stay in his lanes on a busy Gold Coast motorway has admitted dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Brett Leonard Round 41, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared at the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The court heard Round was driving a green Mazda hatchback from Ashmore along the Smith Street motorway before heading sound on the Pacific Highway in Nerang between 4.01pm and 5.02pm on May 13, 2024.

While on the road the Mazda followed a car closely, brake checks another, failed to drive in marked lanes and failed to signal the intention to change lanes, the court heard.

The court heard that Round was driving a green Mazda hatchback dangerously on the Pacific Highway on May 13, 2024. Picture: supplied

The court heard the Mazda hit a white Tesla on two occasions, “nudged the bumper” and failed to stop. It is not suggested the Tesla was damaged.

Clips of the Tesla’s 360 footage that captured the incident were played in court.

Round’s defence lawyer Billy Gee from Potts Lawyers told the court his client was deeply remorseful and regretful for what happened.

He said Round travelled to the Gold Coast University Hospital after he felt his throat was closing over and was having trouble breathing.

The court heard Round was refused treatment from the hospital who were of the view Round’s difficulties were psychological and not physical so he made his way to Robina Hospital to seek a second opinion.

Mr Gee said there was a sense of urgency and stress that overrode how Round would normally operate a motor vehicle while he was driving to Robina which is when the incident occurred.

The court heard Round, once an advanced driving instructor, has been working as a truck driver up until his sentencing.

Mr Gee said Round has actively sought treatment for anxiety and depression, and has completed the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program.

Acting Magistrate Sarah Thompson said the road was busy at the time of the offence and there was danger not just to Round and the Tesla driver but also other road users in general.

She noted Round obviously wanted a second option and there was an urgency to get to the hospital.

The court heard Round has had a diagnosis in relation to his condition that day but accepts his way of getting medical treatment was inappropriate.

Ms Thompson acknowledged Round spent a large part of his life as a professional driver.

“There are going to be some significant consequences to you as a result of this conduct,” she said.

He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for six months and fined $750. A conviction was not recorded.