NT road crashes: Unlicensed driver blows 6 times legal alcohol limit after Stuart Hwy crash

‘Absolutely ludicrous’: An unlicensed man driving six times over the legal limit is lucky to have survived a collision with a large ute.

St John Ambulance. Picture: Che Chorley

Welcome to the NT News’ weekly Top End rolling police, crime, traffic, fire and breaking news blog. Keep up with the latest in the Top End – from Katherine to Darwin, West Daly, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands.

February 15, 2pm: An unlicensed 21-year-old driving six times over the legal limit is lucky to have survived a collision with a large ute with only minor injuries.

About 10am on Saturday a 47-year-old man was driving a black Ford F-150 inbound on the Stuart Highway when the 21-year-old man, driving a silver Toyota Yaris, tried to make a right-hand turn from the highway onto Tivendale Rd, in Knuckey Lagoon.

NT Police said the driver of the Yaris failed to see the F-150 and crashed heavily into the driver’s side, causing extensive damage to both vehicles, and blocking the inside lane.

Police, Fire and Rescue, and St Johns Ambulance were called to the scene.

The driver of the F-150 sustained a possible fractured ankle and a cut to his arm, and was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital by ambulance.

The 21-year-old driver, who police say is unlicensed, was breath tested at the scene and returned an indication blood alcohol level of 0.304 per cent – more than six times the legal limit of 0.05.

He was also taken to the hospital for assessment of minor injuries and a blood sample was taken for further analysis.

Darwin Watch Commander Sean Patterson said the behaviour of the younger driver was simply unacceptable.

“The conduct of this offending driver was absolutely ludicrous,” he said.

“He put the community in danger and caused injuries to a person going about his daily business.

“Sixty people lost their lives on Territory roads last year and the actions of this young man had the potential to cause another, totally unnecessary fatality.

“This type of behaviour is completely irresponsible and police make no apology for continuing to target drivers impaired by alcohol and drugs.”

The Darwin Traffic Operations unit are investigating the crash.

Police did not indicate whether charges had yet been laid.

Man pelts rocks at Darwin bus stop commuters

February 14, 12pm: A man has been tackled to the ground by security guards after allegedly pelting rocks at a busy Darwin bus stop.

The incident occurred outside the Woolworths on Cavenagh St, Darwin at 4.40pm Thursday, with a witness stating that the young man was running at the crowds, throwing rocks at people.

A man has been restrained by security guards outside the Cavenagh St Woolworths, Darwin, after allegedly throwing rocks at people.

It is understood no one was injured, but one woman said it was “f — king scary”.

He allegedly yelled out “I’m just a young fella” as security guards pinned him to the ground.

Photos from the scene appear to show the young man wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the alleged attack.

On Friday An NT Police spokesman said security called police about the bus stop fight between two men, who were believed to be intoxicated.

“Nil injuries were reported with security apprehending one offender,” he said.

“Both parties ended up leaving the area.”

Police did not confirm any charges in relation to the incident.

A man has been restrained by security guards outside the Cavenagh St Woolworths, Darwin, after allegedly throwing rocks at people.

18-year-old man flown to hospital after coming off motorbike on Darwin River Rd

February 12, 2.30pm: A man has been flown to hospital in a stable condition after coming off his motorbike 60km south of Darwin.

About 2.30pm Wednesday, St John Northern Territory paramedics responded to an incident on Darwin River Rd, where an 18-year-old man came off his motorbike.

CareFlight NT later took the man to Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition.

It is understood the man was alone at the time of the accident, and the cause of the incident is unknown at this stage.

NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services have been sought for comment.

NT officer hit in face, leg with rock by child

February 12, 3.45pm: Northern Territory Police are asking for help from the public after an officer was assaulted in Galiwinku early this morning.

About 3:55am, police responded to reports of a group of unidentified children trying to break into a local service station.

The group threw rocks, striking one officer in the face and leg before fleeing on foot.

The injured officer was taken to Galiwinku Clinic for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are investigating.

Superintendent Jody Nobbs condemned the alleged attack.

“This is despicable behaviour, and we will not tolerate it,” she said.

“Police do not deserve to be assaulted while protecting and serving the community.

“We are committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring they are held to account.”

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Contact police on 131 444 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Whopping 255 kgs of kava seized following police operation

February 10, 3.30pm: More than 250 kilograms of kava has been seized following a police search in Maningrida at the weekend.

Around 12pm on Saturday, police conducted a lawful search of a property after receiving intelligence the banned substance was being harboured in the premises.

During the search, police seized 255.13kg of kava and more than $3900 in cash.

NT Police seized the banned substance after receiving a tip off from the public.

A 24 year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been charged with possessing a commercial quantity of kava and supplying a commercial quantity of kava.

Sergeant Timothy Gillahan praised those involved in the interception – including the public.

“I commend the officers for their swift action in response to intelligence, as well as the community for their reporting,” he said.

“This seizure will undoubtedly reduce the social and financial harm within the community often caused by kava use.

“The NT Police Force remains committed to disrupting the flow of destructive substances into restricted communities.”

The alleged offender is due to appear in Darwin Local Court on Thursday, February, 13.

Teenager accused of repeat break-ins and indecent exposure arrested

February 10, 2.40pm: A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the same residence seven times and indecently exposing himself on several occasions.

Between February 3 and 6, the 17-year-old allegedly entered a residence in Lyons on seven different occasions, stealing alcohol and personal items, as well as indecently exposing himself on several occasions.

Police say the offences were captured on CCTV.

On Saturday, February 8, Strike Force Trident detectives attended the victim’s residence to progress their investigation after police were notified of an alleged indecent touching incident which occurred on a woman who was exercising in the area.

Police then found and arrested the teenage boy, who has been charged with seven counts of trespassing, four counts of theft, two counts of aggravated burglary, two counts of indecent exposure, indecent touching, damaging property and breaching bail.

Detective acting senior sergeant Chris Humphries hailed the efforts of those involved in the investigation.

“I commend the efforts of my detectives for their swift response and comprehensive investigation into these incidents.

“This behaviour will not be tolerated and police will continue to put serious offenders before the courts.”

The 17-year-old was held in remand and was expected in court on Monday.

Woman taken to hospital after she was shocked while changing a light bulb

February 9, 7.30pm: A woman was taken to hospital after she was shocked while changing a light bulb.

About 7.30pm Sunday, paramedics from St John NT attended an address in Winnellie, where a 31-year-old woman was shocked while changing a light bulb.

She was later taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life threatening injuries and was in a stable condition, paramedics said.

Originally published as NT road crashes: Unlicensed driver blows 6 times legal alcohol limit after Stuart Hwy crash