Road rage on foot

A MAN has been fined $200 after picking fights with passing motorists in the Ipswich CBD.

Ipswich Magistrates Court heard Timmothy Joseph Dean was walking in the middle of Brisbane Street about 9pm on July 29 and stopping passing cars to abuse the drivers.

Witnesses later told police Dean, 27, had walked in front of their cars and kicked the front of the vehicles before they drove around him and left.

Prosecutor Acting Senior Constable Jo Colston said Dean stopped a passing utility and its driver – a much larger man – hopped out, leaving his car parked in the middle of the road.

The “large man” tried to persuade him to get off the road but Dean pushed him in the chest.

Snr Cnst Colston said the man did not retaliate but continued to try to get Dean off the road.

Police arrived to see Dean, who was highly intoxicated, still trying to fight the man.

He pleaded guilty to committing a public nuisance and was fined $200.

Dean told the court he was undergoing alcohol counselling and could not remember the incident or why it happened.

He said he had been catching up with a high school friend that night and had “blacked out”.

“I realise this behaviour is unacceptable,” Dean said in a prepared statement.

“I’m deeply regretful of this stupid act and I apologise. I want to get my life on track.”

Dean said he was grieving after the sudden death of a family member and was finding it difficult to find employment.

Magistrate Donna MacCallum said she understood Dean had a “lot to deal with over the last couple of years”.