SURF STAR’S WILD RIDE
BELLS BEACH DRIVING CHARGES: Late for his heat, ex-world champ Adriano de Souza barrels into a taxi but can’t hang for 10 or even five.
A WORLD surfing champion crashed into a taxi while running late for a heat at this year’s Rip Curl Pro, a court has heard.
Police allege Adriano de Souza was illegally driving in an emergency lane at Bells Beach when he collided with the front of the taxi, which was performing a U-turn.
The incident on Easter Monday this year happened soon before de Souza crashed out of the event during a third- round loss to American Conner Coffin.
The Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday the 31year-old was in such a rush for the heat that he did not stop and exchange details after the collision.
It is alleged the Brazilian told the taxi driver: “I’m really sorry. I can’t stop.”
De Souza was not in court yesterday and there was no lawyer acting on his behalf.
Instead, the 2015 World Surf League champion sent an email to the court, explaining he was currently in Brazil and that his Australian visa had expired.
De Souza also said he was busy competing in professional surfing events around the world, including an upcoming competition in Bali.
He has been charged by police with careless driving and failing to keep left to the centre of the road.
The court had initially planned to deal with the case as an ex-parte hearing, which would have seen the charges decided without de Souza present.
But after further investigation by the prosecution, it later emerged he could have been following directions given by organisers of the Rip Curl Pro when he crashed.
“At the time of the alleged offending, the pro surfers were given instructions that, if running late, they would be allowed to go on the wrong side of the road . . . within a designated area. This happened outside that area,” prosecutor Senior Constable Kylie Jane said.
Sen-Constable Jane said she was concerned de Souza may have been unaware that he was doing anything wrong while driving in the emergency lane near the event.
The case was adjourned to June 14. However, Sen-Constable Jane said it was possible the charges could be dropped.
De Souza won the Rip Curl Pro in 2013 and is ranked 17th in the world.
His career earnings exceed $US2 million ($A2.6 million).