Budgewoi: Drink-driving tradie ‘ejected’ from wreckage while son, 8, uninjured

A drink-driving dad was ejected from wreckage after “ripping” his car apart in a horrific crash on a rain-soaked road. His eight-year-old son was in the front passenger seat.

Scenic Drive at Budgewoi. Picture: Supplied.

A drink-driving tradie is facing jail after pleading guilty to crashing his car in pouring rain with his eight-year-old son in the front passenger seat.

The crash – which rendered the car “completely ripped apart” – was so severe the dad was ejected from the wreckage, with the young boy luckily unharmed.

Joel Joseph Joss, 28, of Buff Point, faced Wyong Local Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to one count of high range drink-driving.

The court heard it was his second high range offence within five years.

Court documents state Joss was driving a blue Hyundai Excel north on Scenic Dr at Budgewoi, at 6.50pm on September 26.

“In the front passenger seat was his eight-year-old son,” the facts state.

“At the time the street was in darkness with moderate-heavy rainfall and light traffic.

Joel Joseph Joss. Picture: Facebook.

“Near the intersection of Walu Ave, Budgewoi, Joss lost control of the vehicle, causing it to spin out of control and collide with another vehicle, which was parked legally on the roadway on 246 Scenic Dr.

“The front of the accused’s vehicle was completely ripped apart with multiple engine and car parts spread across the roadway and the driver’s door partially ripped open.

“During this, the accused was ejected from the vehicle and he came to rest on the driveway of 250 Scenic Drive.”

Joss was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital where a blood sample later returned an alcohol reading of 0.179.

Incredibly – his son suffered no visible injuries and only complained of a “sore neck”.

Three months later on December 30 police went to Joss’ house where he confirmed he was driving that night and had been drinking but did not remember the crash.

Magistrate Trevor Khan questioned if the Joss’ son was allowed to be in the front seat to begin with.

“Is he old enough?” Mr Khan asked.

“This is a high range PCA (prescribed concentration of alcohol) in which there’s an accident. These are matters where essentially jail has to be considered.”

Mr Khan ordered Joss undergo a sentence assesment report to see if he is eligible to serve his sentence in any way other than full time custody before adjourning him to March 3.

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Originally published as Budgewoi: Drink-driving tradie ‘ejected’ from wreckage while son, 8, uninjured