Mum ploughs into yard, tries to run over witness

A BOWEN mother drove her ute into the front yard of a Bowen property and then verbally abused a witness, telling them “you’re nothing but a bunch of rapists and paedophiles”.

Claire Anne Bauer then leaned out of the vehicle and told the witness she was going to run them over, before driving towards them.

Magistrate James Morton condemned her “disgraceful” behaviour and use of the car as a weapon.

Bauer appeared in Bowen Magistrates Court this week and pleaded guilty to three charges, including dangerous operation of a vehicle, wilful damage and driving without a licence.

All the charges arose from one incident in July, when Bauer drove her Triton into the front yard of a property in Sapphire Crescent.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Sarah Rowe told the court a witness went outside to see what was going on and walked in front of Bauer’s ute.

Bauer then reversed, told the witness she was going to run them over and drove towards them.

The witness had to step out of the way to avoid being hit, Senior Constable Rowe said.

Tyre tracks were left in the front yard and checks revealed Bauer’s licence been disqualified.

Senior Constable Rowe said Bauer showed disregard for the law and had put the community at risk.

Lawyer Peta Vernon peared for Bauer.

Ms Vernon said Bauer had been through a marriage breakdown in recent years and last year was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

She has now been given the all clear. had ap

Ms Vernon said Bauer had sought counselling as she had difficulty processing the trauma she’d been through.

“She accepts that she reacted poorly and inappropriately,” Ms Vernon said.

Mr Morton slammed the 36-year-old mother’s behaviour, saying she tried to take the law into her own hands.

“Getting into your car and using it as a weapon to try and run someone over. It’s terrible, disgraceful conduct,” Mr Morton said. “Marriages break down all the time, it’s not the end of the world, life goes on.

“You went to the person’s house and made that threat and attempted that threat and then drove away without seeing if anyone was injured.”

Bauer was sentenced to three months’ jail, which was suspended for 15 months.

She was also fined $450 and disqualified from driving for nine months.

Convictions were recorded.