Young driver keeps licence after drug-fuelled car incident leaves others in hospital

A South West man who was high on drugs and “playing chicken” while driving on Forrest Highway and crashed into a car, leaving its passengers injured, will be able to keep his licence. Mitchell Riley Down, 22, appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on Thursday after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving with drugs in his system. He was also convicted of four other drugs charges. The charges stem from an incident on Forrest Highway on April 25, when he crashed into another car and injured passengers who were later treated in hospital. Prosecutor Sgt Jane Gillham told the court Down was driving dangerously and “playing chicken” on the road by speeding up and slowing down sporadically, with cannabis later found in his system. After the crash, police were called to the scene and found Down in possession of various drugs including cannabis, methlyamphetamine and medication mixed with amphetamine. They also found text messages which led to him being charged with one count of intending to sell or supply one gram of cocaine, to which he pleaded guilty. Defence lawyer Paul Chapman said Down understood the seriousness of the charges and has taken steps to address his drug abuse. He asked magistrate Joanne Andretich to consider Down’s young age, the effect a licence disqualification would have on his fly-in, fly-out employment and to consider mental health issues. Ms Andretich said the offences were “aggravated” by the dangerous driving which injured passengers in the other vehicle. “A number of people are killed on that road,” she said. “Families are left to deal with the outcome as well as first responders.” Ms Andretich imposed fines of $2600, and ordered him to pay $545 in court costs as well as a $1065 analysis fee. Down will, however, keep his licence taking into account his age, lack of record and prospects for rehabilitation. A 12-month intensive supervision order with a program and supervision requirements were also ordered.