Ryan Bart Corby jailed for three years for stealing car outside Gosford Court House
A man who was due to face a magistrate instead opted to steal a car outside a courthouse high on drugs before he was found by cops slumped at the wheel – and wearing his socks on his hands.
NSW
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A Central Coast man who was due to face a magistrate instead opted to steal a car outside a courthouse high on drugs before he was found by cops slumped at the wheel – and wearing his socks on his hands.
Ryan Bart Corby, 33, was found slumped in a car in the middle of the road at Forresters Beach while under the influence of drugs. Police also discovered just under $2300 in cash in his possession and a quantity of methamphetamine.
Corby was sentenced in the District Court in Gosford on Tuesday and jailed for three years after pleading guilty to charges of driving while disqualified, using a weapon to prevent lawful detention, hindering or resisting police, supplying prohibited drugs, and dealing with the proceeds of crime.
On 19 September 2023, Corby was at the Gosford Courthouse when he spotted a car with its keys in the ignition. He got in and quickly left the area. His mother and the car’s owner both contacted police.
At 2:50pm that day, police received reports of the stolen vehicle and found Corby inside it at Forresters Beach, slumped over in the front seat.
According to police facts, officers parked behind Corby’s car and got out to speak with him. He was unconscious and wearing white socks on his hands.
The court heard officers attempted to open the locked driver’s side door. Corby then reversed into the police car behind him. An officer entered Corby’s vehicle and applied the handbrake.
Corby attempted to drive away but was hit with OC spray and pulled to the ground.
A police search uncovered 11.56 grams of methamphetamine, $2,270 in cash, and a phone containing messages related to drug supply, along with photos of digital scales.
Judge Tanya Bright said Corby had put multiple police officers in immediate danger by using the car as a weapon.
Regarding the drugs, she noted that while it was a relatively small amount, it still had the capacity to harm members of the community.
“I have no doubt the offending would have been highly terrifying for each of the police officers involved,” Judge Bright said.
The court heard Corby had no recollection of the incident and was “really drug-affected” at the time.
He told his psychologist he regretted his substance use and offending.
“I wish it never happened. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt. My drug use — it’s what landed me here.
“I was stressing out and depressed when I found out about the offending. What if someone had died? I’m over it now. It’s time to grow up,” he said.
Corby was sentenced to an aggregate term of three years’ jail and will be eligible for parole on November 18 this year.
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Originally published as Ryan Bart Corby jailed for three years for stealing car outside Gosford Court House
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