Cape Trib collision driver in custody

A DANGEROUS driver who struck a Taiwanese tourist at Cape Tribulation last year has sought counselling about the incident.

Wilfred Barret Waasdorp, then 35, hit the 31-year-old woman on Cape Tribulation Rd at 12.30am on October 27.

The woman suffered significant head injuries including a fractured skull and was flown to Townsville Hospital for treatment.

The incident took place on a straight section of road about 100m south of PK’s Jungle Village, a popular backpackers spot in Cape Tribulation.

It is understood the woman was in Australia on a working holiday visa and had been working in the area.

Mr Waasdorp surrendered himself into custody and pleaded guilty to one charge of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm while affected by an intoxicating substance.

Defending barrister James Sheridan told Cairns District Court his client had been seeing a psychiatrist at Mossman about the incident and requested an adjournment to seek a pre-sentence report.

He said Waasdorp would suffer in prison.

“His physical and mental health will be affected by being incarcerated,” Mr Sheridan said.

Prosecutor Claudia Georgouras did not oppose the application.

“It does seem reasonable that there should be further explanation of the medical conditions as they affect the defendant,” Ms Georgouras said.

She told the court there would be a danger Waasdorp would fail to appear for sentencing should he be released on bail.

Judge Tracey Fantin adjourned the matter for review on February 11. She remanded Waasdorp into custody.