A motorist has avoided conviction but copped a fine and a driving ban for crashing into another vehicle following an argument in a supermarket car park.
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The man, who was 27 at the time of the incident, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Monday to dangerous driving and failing to stop after an accident, in relation to the June crash.
The court heard the offender was driving his Ford Courier utility in the Bendigo Coles car park when he became involved in a verbal disagreement with the driver of a Mitsubishi Lancer over one driver cutting off the other.
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The man left the car park and pulled into a turning lane on Myers Street, to turn into Williamson Street, while the Mitsubishi driver stopped in the lane alongside his vehicle.
But the offender, rather than turning into Williamson Street, turned his vehicle into the Mitsubishi and hit it with his bullbar, scratching it.
The victim followed but stopped and called triple 0, while the offender also stopped a distance away and called Bendigo police.
The court heard the victim obtained a quote to repair her vehicle, valued at $3697.
The man attended the police station over the incident and told police he was not sure whether he had hit the victim's vehicle, or she had hit his.
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He said the collision was an accident, and told police he had been heading to a friend's house but did not want the Mitsubishi driver to follow him there, so decided to go straight at the intersection rather than turn.
The man again told the court on Monday that the crash was not intentional and he had panicked.
During a sentencing indication hearing, the man said he needed his licence for work and to transport his children, although magistrate Sharon McRae said she had to take his licence for dangerous driving.
"If that's the case, so be it," the man said.
He also apologised for his actions.
The man pleaded guilty to the two offences after Ms McRae indicated she would fine him $800 without conviction and ban him from driving for one month if he did so.
She noted it was his first time before the courts.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
