Community service for driver who fled the scene of power pole crash in Mandurah

Tuesday, 4 May 2021 14:16

By Marion Print and Monique Welhan

A man who fled the scene after crashing into a power pole in Mandurah has been ordered to complete community service.

Brayden James Eccleston, 23, appeared in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to a number of driving offences including no authority to drive and careless driving.

The court heard on Saturday February 27 around 9:30pm, Eccleston was driving along Anstruther Road when he hit a curb and lost control of the silver Mitsubishi Triton he was driving near the intersection of Gibson Street.

The vehicle then crashed into a power pole causing it to snap in half and fall across the road, leaving a damage bill of $80,000.

The court heard Eccleston fled the scene but presented to the Mandurah Police Station the following morning.

Magistrate Leanne Atkins questioned Eccleston on how he lost control of the vehicle to which he responded he wasn't sure and it was likely he was playing with the radio.

On why he fled the scene after the incident, the young brick layer said he was disorientated after the crash as the air bags had been deployed and he received an electric shock.

The 23-year-old has three previous charges of driving on a suspended or disqualified licence.

Eccleston was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and fined $800 and $248.70 in court costs.