‘Take me home or I will kill you and take your car’

A MAN threatened to kill a stranger if he did not give him a lift home after a night out in Surfers Paradise, a court has heard.

Justin Lewis pleaded guilty in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday to one count each of breaking into a car and wilful damage.

Lewis said outside court he regretted the incident and promised to never drink again.

Magistrate Kay Phillipson sentenced him to 18 months probation and ordered he pay $225 in compensation.

Police prosecutor Josie Salzman said the terrifying incident started when Lewis followed the victim to his car on Watson Esplanade about 3.45am on December 30 last year.

Lewis opened the door and blocked the man from getting out.

“You will take me home,” Lewis told his victim.

“You will or I will kill you and take your car.”

Ms Salzman said Lewis then slapped the man in the face and tried to pull him from the car.

In the struggle the man was able to get Lewis out of his car by kicking him in the stomach before locking the door.

Lewis then punched the windscreen, cracking it before walking off.

The man then called police and followed Lewis in his car and on foot until police could arrive.

Defence lawyer Ross Oden said Lewis, a Russian immigrant, had struggled with alcoholism for years.

He said Lewis had not drunk for five years and thought he could handle a night out for a friend’s birthday.

“His behaviour deteriorated because of his alcoholism,” Mr Oden said.

Lewis said outside court he would never drink again.

“I apologise to the victim,” he said.

“I was under the influence of alcohol.

“I regret it happening.”

As a part of his probation conditions Lewis was ordered not to drink and will be regularly tested for alcohol.