Gregory Scott Hooper pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle
An intoxicated driver caused a crash with a taxi and sent pedestrians running for safety as he mounted a kerb and smashed into a pole and fountain.
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An intoxicated driver who was “illogical and incoherent” at the scene of a crash where he’d also nearly hit pedestrians has faced court.
Gregory Scott Hooper pleaded guilty in Maryborough Magistrates Court to dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected, possessing dangerous drugs and possessing pipes or utensils.
The court heard on December 27, 2024, in Ayr, Hooper had caused an “extraordinarily dangerous situation to occur” as a result of his actions behind the wheel.
About 5pm in the afternoon on Edwards St, a female taxi driver had pulled up at an intersection to give way to two pedestrians who were crossing the road, the court was told.
The woman saw Hooper driving at high speed a silver SUV in her rearview mirror, the court heard.
She heard the screeching of tyres as he went around the roundabout before he struck her vehicle, causing moderate damage to the rear.
Hooper then reversed the vehicle and attempted to drive forward, crashing into a water fountain.
The court heard Hooper then overtook the taxi driver, who was still stationary to allow the pedestrians to cross.
As a result of the collision, the pedestrians ran back to kerb, the court was told.
As Hooper went past the taxi, he mounted the right kerb, colliding with a steel pole.
The two pedestrians were standing and were again forced to get out of the way as a result of Hooper’s actions, the court heard.
Magistrate John Milburn described the facts as “extremely disturbing”, adding it was fortunate the pedestrians were aware of what he was doing and took evasive action.
“One might speculate had the pedestrians been elderly or informed or unable to exercise any form of agility, then far more serious consequences may have occurred.”
When Hooper was stopped by police, he showed no sign of being aware he’d been involved in a crash as a result of his intoxication, the court heard.
“You were illogical and incoherent,” Mr Milburn said.
The court also heard Hooper was deeply remorseful and had been taking steps to deal with his mental health issues including depression and anxiety and had not consumed alcohol since the offence.
Hooper was sentenced to nine months in jail, wholly suspended for a period of two years.
He was disqualified from driving for 10 months for the dangerous operation of a vehicle charge and six months for driving while intoxicated.
He must pay $2552.50 in compensation to the taxi driver.
Convictions were recorded on all charges.
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Originally published as Gregory Scott Hooper pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle
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