River Anthony North, 18, sentenced for cycling crash that put two in hospital

A young Gold Coast man has shed light on his role in a foolish prank that left two athletes with significant injuries and repair bills. Read the details here.

A young Gold Coast man has shared his remorse outside court after an “extremely immature” prank at a sports event put two athletes in hospital.

River Anthony North and a juvenile co-offender were seen putting two pallets on a cycling track during a race meet at Runaway Bay just before 2.30pm on August 20 last year.

Prosecutor Dan Cuschieri said two riders, aged 16 and 32, collided with the pallets and flew over the handlebars onto the bitumen track.

He said the victims’ bicycles had a combined value of more than $20,000 and were extensively damaged in the crash.

“The incident occurred on the last lap of the race, where the riders were travelling at approximately 65 km/h,” Mr Cuschieri said.

The court was told the 16-year-old was left with a broken left collarbone and a fractured scapula in his left shoulder.

The older victim suffered a bulging disc in his neck and a concussion.

River Anthony North leaving Southport Magistrates Court. Picture: Jessica Paul

Both were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital that day and have required ongoing treatment since the crash.

Mr Cuschieri said North and his accomplice remained at the scene until police arrived.

“Both were visibly upset by the consequences of their actions,” he said.

“They stated they were at the skate park and the child was dared by other juveniles to place the pallet on the track, and (North) then helped the child.”

The 18-year-old appeared in court with a clean criminal history.

Defence lawyer India Brady, of Bamberry Law, said her client was a regular skater and only knew his co-offender through the skate park.

River Anthony North (right) leaving Southport Magistrates Court with defence lawyer India Brady. Picture: Jessica Paul

She claimed the younger person had put the first pallet on the track and then encouraged North to help with the second.

“At the time he partook in these actions, he didn’t foresee the events that ultimately occurred,” Ms Brady said.

She said the apprentice floor layer was diagnosed with ADHD at an early age, which could help explain his impulsive and reckless actions.

The court was told North had written apology letters to his victims and tried to resolve the matter through restorative justice, but the injured athletes did not wish to meet in person.

Magistrate Michelle Dooley told North his conduct was “extremely immature”.

“You need to grow up very quickly, and you’re going to have to stop and think really hard about your actions in the future and the manner of things you get yourself involved in,” she said.

Leaving the Southport courthouse with his mother, North told the Bulletin he was “extremely sorry”.

North pleaded guilty to two counts each of endangering safety and wilful damage.

He was ordered to complete 120 hours’ community service and pay half the restitution owed.

No conviction was recorded.

Originally published as River Anthony North, 18, sentenced for cycling crash that put two in hospital