Stephen Gregory Spice: Albury nurse blames Trump for Macca’s drive-through tantrum

A drunk Thurgoona man who rammed the back of a car at a drive-through has blamed Donald Trump for McDonald’s meltdown.

A Thurgoona man has blamed Donald Trump for his angry McDonald's drive-through meltdown

A Thurgoona nurse who rammed the back of a car a dozen times in a Macca’s drive-through has blamed Donald Trump for his tantrum.

Stephen Gregory Spice, 63, appeared at Albury Local Court on Monday, and pleaded guilty to knowingly drive motor vehicle in manner which menaces another person, negligent driving, and driving under the influence.

Court documents reveal Spice had sunk three glasses of wine at the Commercial Club in Albury before heading into the nearby McDonald’s drive-thru about 1.30pm on January 7.

While waiting in the queue Spice became impatient, revving his engine and yelling “f---en hurry up, hurry up, hurry up”, before nudging the car in front of him.

The queue moved forward slightly but Spice became impatient again, nudging the car in front of him “at least a dozen times”.

According to court documents the driver and passenger of the car in front were very frightened and left the drive-thru as soon as possible.

They reported the incident to police, providing Spice’s numberplate.

A short time later police visited Spice at his Thurgoona home.

Court documents reveal Spice told police he believed the driver ahead of him was “actually causing a problem” and were taking a long time to go through.

He told police he didn‘t recall nudging the vehicle in front of him.

Police reported Spice had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet, and appeared to be affected by alcohol.

Spice’s defence solicitor Piers Blomfield said his client suffered from PTSD from decades working as a nurse, and had gone to the Commercial Club after a disagreement with management at his work.

Mr Blomfield said Spice had been listening to US election on the radio while waiting in the drive-thru queue and became angered by Donald Trump, sparking his outburst.

The solicitor said Spice was close to retiring and was worried he would lose his nursing job if he was convicted.

In court Spice was teary, wiping his eyes as his solicitor spoke.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Pike told the court Spice’s drink driving was in the same category as high-range drink driving.

Magistrate Richard Funston said it was very odd offending.

“We all have issues at work and we all had problems with (former) President Trump, but you can’t go nudging someone a dozen times,” Mr Funston said.

“Whatever combination of things that were happening that day, you snapped.

“I’m taking a very unusual course today because you entered pleas of guilty and you’ve never been to court for anything like this before, and in nursing you must see some terrible things at time.”

Spice was sentenced to an 18-month conditional release order with no conviction.

“Don’t allow a situation like this to build up again,” Mr Funston said.

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