Citizen’s arrest court twist
Stolen car chaser pleads guilty to charges
A MAN who rammed a stolen car in the Townsville CBD in a dramatic citizen’s arrest has flipped on his plea.
Hermit Park man Bruce Raymond Hillery, 49, has pleaded guilty in the Townsville Magistrates Court to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and driving without due care and attention.
On February 16 this year Hillery rammed a stolen Mazda CX-5 in Flinders Street filled with teenagers. Hillery was in his car with a family member when they pulled up behind the black Mazda CX-5.
One of the juveniles started throwing bottles at his car and then got out holding a knife and attempted to carjack Hillery and his passenger.
When Hillery saw the youth holding the knife, he rammed the teenagers’ car.
Hillery then followed the black Mazda CX-5 to Flinders Street, colliding with the car again at the Stanley Street intersection, causing it to spin 180 degrees onto the other side of the road.
Witnesses to the crash stopped to assist the black Mazda CX-5 before Hillery mounted the kerb and chased a witness, coming within three metres of hitting them.
It was indicated in June this year by Hillery’s defence solicitor that the matter would go to trial with up to 100 witnesses expected to give evidence.
Hillery’s barrister, Rowan Pack, who is representing him on a pro bono basis, asked Magistrate Ken Taylor for a sentencing date at the end of January.
“It is anticipated that we will be seeking a psychological report for Mr Hillery, we need some time for that to be prepared,” he said.
Mr Pack requested a “lengthy” sentencing date, asking to allow two hours for the proceedings.
At Hillery’s first court mention in March, angry Townsville residents supported the tradie in the courtroom.
Railway Estate resident Julie Antaw told the Townsville Bulletin: “I don’t believe he
should be charged, I believe it should be thrown out of court.”
Hillery will be sentenced on January 25.