Soon-to-be grandfather carjacked 80yo outside club

AN elderly man suffered serious facial injuries when he was dragged along the ground for several metres as he tried to stop a father-of-two from stealing his car.

The Southport Magistrates Court heard on Monday the 80-year-old had been at the CSI Club at Southport on November 5 when David Jolley jumped into the vehicle.

The father-of-two and expectant grandfather, 58, removed the victim from the car and tried to drive off, but the 80-year-old man latched on to the vehicle before tripping.

He was dragged a number of metres causing significant facial injuries, the court heard.

The vehicle was later dumped. Jolley, on drugs at the time, was found in the area.

Jolley had been disqualified from driving months before the crime and was on parole at the time, the court heard.

On Monday, he pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and drug offences.

Magistrate Kathleen Payne sentenced Jolley to nine months jail, wholly suspended for a period of two years.

“It’s disappointing that an adult male of your age is conducting himself in this manner,” Ms Payne said. “This is what we see at Southport being done by 17-year-olds, 18-yearolds. Maybe a 25-year-old. But it stops there, and it’s time you grow up. You need to get a hold of your addiction and take responsibility for yourself. You are going to be a grandfather so it’s time you set the example that you want your family members to follow.”

Solicitor Michael Gatenby, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, said his client had a history of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Mr Gatenby said his client wanted to express to his victim that the crime was not targeted. “He says he was using (drugs) at that time … he didn’t anticipate that the complainant would take hold of the car. He is extremely remorseful and embarrassed by what he has done,” he said.

Jolley has already spent 33 days in custody. He was disqualified from driving for two years and six months.