Brevet Sergeant Daryl Wayne Mundy avoids conviction, fined $2000 for hitting Allan Kelson’s vehicle, leaving scene

A “highly respected” police officer and former UN peacekeeper – who until recently was deputy president of the police union – has been sentenced for hitting another car and leaving the scene.

A “highly respected and exceptional” police officer and former UN East Timor Peacekeeper – who until recently was deputy president of the police union – has avoided conviction for his role in a “low-speed collision”, leaving his victim “without justice”.

On February 7 this year, Brevet Sergeant Daryl Wayne Mundy, 56, of Rosewater was driving his partner’s ute down Morphett St when he collided with another vehicle.

“As they were nearing Wright St, there was a van on the side of Morphett St that traffic had to go around. As a result of this, there was a minor collision between the two vehicles,” a police prosecutor told the court on Tuesday.

“There was very minor damage to Mr Mundy’s vehicle and a little bit more damage to the other vehicle. There were no injuries. Mr Mundy failed to stop at the scene.”

The driver of the other vehicle, Allan Kelson, followed Sergeant Mundy’s car – taking note of his registration plate – and advised police, who then followed up the incident with the police officer.

On Tuesday, Sergeant Mundy, who was absent from court, through his lawyer pleaded guilty to one count each of failing to stop and give particulars to a person at a crash scene and failing to give particulars about the crash to police.

His lawyer said that his client was unaware he had even hit anyone.

“Is it accepted that he didn’t realise he was involved in an accident?” Magistrate Luke Davis asked.

“Yes it is,” the prosecutor said.

SA Police officer Daryl Mundy was charged over the Adelaide CBD hit-run crash Picture: 7NEWS

In footage supplied by Mr Kelson, Sergeant Mundy is seen winding down his window and yelling at the occupants of the other vehicle before driving off.

Daniel Weekley, for Sergeant Mundy, asked Mr Davis to sentence the decorated police officer without recording a conviction due to his lifetime of service to the community.

Brevet Sergeant Daryl Mundy, left of screen, after hitting Allan Kelson's vehicle in February. Picture: Supplied

“He was unaware of the collision of the time, but now with the benefit of having watched and reviewed video footage of the incident he accepts he ought to have been aware at the time in all the circumstances, and on that basis he pleads guilty.”

In sentencing, Mr Davis said Sergeant Mundy ought “not to be treated differently because he’s a serving police officer, but I must note his good character and service to the community”.

“Not only has he been a long standing member of SAPOL, but also a seconded member of the federal police, he served in the United Nations peacekeeping force in East Timor, he’s served on the police association including being deputy president.”

Mr Davis fined him $1000 for each offence, and did not record a criminal conviction.

Originally published as Brevet Sergeant Daryl Wayne Mundy avoids conviction, fined $2000 for hitting Allan Kelson’s vehicle, leaving scene