Driver panics after crash

Costly night out

A DRINK-driver “s--- himself and decided to run” after crashing his ute into Geelong’s Darrell Lea chocolate shop, a court was told yesterday.

Joshua Coon’s decision to drive a friend home after a night out will cost him more than $7500 after his appearance in Geelong Magistrates’ Court.

The Manifold Heights labourer also lost his licence for 30 months.

The court heard Coon crashed his ute into the Malop St shop after losing control at the Moorabool St lights about 1.45am on May 20.

He and his passenger panicked and fled the scene on foot, leaving the car protruding from the shop front, but were soon found nearby by police.

The court heard Coon’s blood alcohol content was tested about an hour later, registering a reading of 0.158.

He appeared in court yesterday on charges of careless driving and drink-driving.

Magistrate Ann McGarvie yesterday ordered Coon pay a $2500 fine for his offences with costs, plus an extra $250 to the business to cover the excess it had to pay to its insurance company to repair the damage.

Lawyer Shane Balkin said his client was already making repayments to the insurance company to cover the $4700 it spent repairing the building.

“It’s been an expensive exercise already,” Mr Balkin said.

“(However), things could’ve been worse; he could’ve been facing more serious charges if someone was injured or killed.” Ms McGarvie agreed. “You were lucky you didn’t kill your passenger, because usually it’s the passenger who fares worst,” she said.

“Had you done that (killed the passenger) you would be looking at six to 12 years in prison without a doubt . . . or alternatively you could’ve killed yourself.

“The night out you hopefully now think wasn’t worth it. It’s going to cost you thousands and thousands of dollars and inconvenience.”