Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court: Jamie Semmens pleads guilty to performing burnouts

A tradie who is a soon-to-be-father and a hoon decided to burn some rubber with a big burnout outside a house in Bulla — all in front of a Victoria Police officer.

Jamie Semmens, 37, at the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court.

A soon-to-be-father and tradie performed a “beyond silly” burnouts outside a house in the northern suburbs in front of witnesses including a Victoria Police inspector.

Jamie Semmens, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of driving a vehicle causing loss of traction at the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he appeared with his eight-month pregnant partner.

In December 2023, Semmens, who is a painter by trade, was driving a grey Holden Commodore while leaving a house on Bulla Rd, Bula.

As he left the driveway, he did a burnout, with smoke drifting across the road — all seen by a neighbour and the police officer.

Police then visited the painter’s home, where he admitted to performing the burnout.

Semmens’ defence lawyer told the court his client said the burnout “was a silly thing to do”.

“(My client) has turned his life around … he admitted it was the wrong thing to do, and he has been cooperative,” he said.

“He has achieved a level of stability. He’s in a stable relationship with his partner, and they are expecting their first child in November.”

The court heard Semmens’ work took him around Melbourne, and he made about $1800 a week.

“He’s setting himself up for when they have the baby and beyond … he appreciates that having a licence is a privilege and takes the matter seriously,” the defence lawyer said.

“If he loses his licence, it will impact him, his partner, and their future life.”

Magistrate John Hardy questioned why a soon-to-be-dad performed a burnout, and that it was “beyond silly”.

“What was going between his ears and behind his eyes?” he said.

“Everyone has an obligation to use a motor vehicle properly; cars are not toys … your lawyer did the best to explain your behaviour, but to me, there isn’t any explanation.”

Mr Hardy said hundreds of people get killed on Victorian roads every year.

“One is too many,” he said.

“If you want to do that kind of driving, you need to go to a racetrack. Do not do it in a public place.”

Semmens’ lawyer asked the court to consider sparing his client’s license.

Mr Hardy said it would “not be appropriate” not to impose a condition on the painter’s licence.

Semmens was convicted, fined $1500, and his license was suspended for 28 days, effective immediately.