Mildura man Mikalem Mitchell crashes car while asleep at the wheel, flees scene, and hides under bed

A disqualified driver caused chaos on Mildura’s Walnut Ave, crashing into a Hyundai, fleeing the scene, and hiding under a bed before being caught by police.

Mikalem Mitchell fronted court just weeks after being given a deferred sentence after he collided with another vehicle on Walnut Ave while driving his grandad’s unregistered car. Picture: Facebook

A disqualified Mildura driver caused mayhem on Walnut Ave when he fell asleep at the wheel of his grandad’s car, rear-ended another vehicle, and fled the scene before police found him hiding under a bed.

Mikalem Mitchell, who had his licence disqualified less than two weeks earlier, appeared in the Mildura Magistrates Court to plead guilty to multiple offences stemming from the incident.

The court heard Mitchell was travelling near Summerhill Drive on Walnut Ave when he overtook a car and collided with a Hyundai i30 during another overtake. The crash forced the Hyundai onto the footpath, leaving significant damage.

Mitchell bailed from the car he was driving and was whisked away by an unwitting witness, who dropped him at a nearby service station with minor injuries.

Police arrested Mitchell after finding him hiding under a bed with a small amount of cannabis in his pockets at a Walnut Ave address.

Mitchell didn’t make it far after the accident, found by police hiding under a bed at a Walnut Ave address. Picture: Google Maps.

Mitchell, who was already on a deferred sentence, expressed regret through his lawyer, Rebecca Boreham.

“He is really aware of how disappointed everyone is,” she said, adding her client had fallen asleep behind the wheel but was not driving at dangerous speeds.

Mitchell’s lawyer also pointed out her client was no longer living across the border in Wentworth where drugs abounded and would be residing in Red Cliffs, which would make it easier for Youth Justice to support him immediately.

“He tells me today he realises that it is not enough for him to stay away from people and try his best and very tearfully told me he needs professional help to become a consistently sober parent and partner,” Ms Boreham said.

Magistrate Patrick Southey said he was disappointed at Mitchell’s actions and kept him on a deferred sentence with stricter conditions.

“You’re the one we had high hopes for. It is really disappointing,” Mr Southey said.

Mitchell must reside at a Red Cliffs address with his mum, obey all lawful directions from Youth Justice, not consume illegal substances and abide by a curfew.

Mitchell also had his licence disqualified for six months. He returns to court on May 7.