Jealous Proserpine man runs over sleeping camper

He was drunk when he drove towards a man, accidentally running over another in his sleeping bag

A Proserpine man was sentenced for driving over a man while camping and fleeing the scene.

AN INTOXICATED Proserpine driver jumped in his four-wheel-drive and veered towards a man in a jealous rage – driving over another as he slept in his sleeping bag.

Jayden Peter McKellin, 20, was camping with friends at Kelsey Creek near Proserpine on March 17, 2019 when he became enraged about something happening between his former girlfriend and Mr Cooney.

McKellin got in his car and drove towards a person Mackay District Court referred to as Mr Cooney, who jumped out of the way.

He began driving away and drove over the back and arms of Jack Cable, who was asleep in his sleeping bag.

Crown prosecutor Alexandra Baker said McKellin drove away before returning to apologise to Mr Cable, though appearing “aggressive”.

Mr Cable was hospitalised after sustaining minor injuries but the incident had an “ongoing impact” on his life – including social anxiety and losing work due to back pain.

“Not all of his friends were supportive that he went to police,” Ms Baker said.

“It ruined his love of camping, which used to bring him much joy.”

Ms Baker said McKellin had made the decision to get behind the wheel and drive through a camp site full of people and towards Mr Cooney.

“Leaving the scene was callous,” she said.

Defence lawyer Matt Heelan said McKellin had gained some maturity since the “reckless act”.

“He rang (Mr Cable) and apologised … he wanted to rekindle their friendship but the victim understandably was not interested in that and they no longer remain friends,” Mr Heelan said.

Mr Heelan said his client had lost a lot of friends because of that night.

He said McKellin had struggled with Aspergers his whole life and had since obtained a mental health plan and counselling following the offence.

“I want to say I’m sorry … I hope one day he forgives my actions,” McKellin said to the court.

Judge Ian Dearden said McKellin was lucky Mr Cable had not been seriously injured or killed.

“It’s a memory none of (the people at the camp site) will shake for the rest of their lives and I hope you won’t either,” he said.

McKellin pleaded guilty to dangerous driving with a circumstance of aggravation and failure to remain at the scene.

He must complete three years of probation, pay $900 compensation and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

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