From Perth Now News
A backpacker who cost a man one of his legs after pinning him between two cars has been put on a good behaviour bond.
Quang Tuan Phan cost a man one of his legs after pinning him between two cars. Source: CourierMail
Quang Tuan Phan, 24, was given the lowest form of punishment in a landmark case in Townsville District Court yesterday because any other sentence would be pointless when the backpacker is deported.
Phan injured 57-year-old Townsville man Robert Bliss when his car lurched forward at an Ingham Rd storage shed on April 26 last year and pinned Mr Bliss by his legs.
Phan said he was wearing shoes which were too big for him and couldn’t feel the car’s pedals when he tried to feel for the brake.
He pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm and was sentenced to 12 months’ good behaviour with a bond of $200.
Judge Stuart Durward SC said he realised there might be anger about the punishment, but said the options were limited because Phan didn’t live in Australia.
“(I have) reservations about the imposition of a term of imprisonment and … no other form of sentence options are available because you’re going to be deported,” he told Phan. “So I’m going to deal with you in a special way … a way that should not be considered a precedence.
“A way I understand might give way to some criticisms by the community at large, but the way that I think is most appropriate.”
It is expected Phan will be deported tomorrow.
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