Patryk Singh and a friend leave court.
Camera IconPatryk Singh and a friend leave court. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Dawesville road rage driver receives community order and fine for January incident

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

A DAWESVILLE man caught on camera during a road rage incident in January this year received a community order and a fine in Mandurah Magistrates Court today .

Patryk Kamal Singh pleaded guilty to careless driving and criminal damage on June 14.

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The police prosecutor told the court Singh was driving on Old Coast Road at 12.40pm on January 12 in a Suzuki Swift.

He made gestures toward a Toyota Landcruiser, which was driving behind him, which caused his car to swing across the road.

Singh followed the Landcruiser to Leslie Street and when it parked Singh kicked the driver’s side door causing $1740 damage.

Counsel for the accused David Walls said Singh became fearful when the Landcruiser tried to enter his lane and came too close to his car.

“The footage has become publicly known and provides a poor snapshot of his behaviour,” he said.

“The victim also engaged in bad behaviour, he was driving along gesturing toward (Singh) and clapping along going ‘good onya’.

“Mr Singh snapped.”

Magistrate Vivien Edwards said the victims of Singh’s attack were “no doubt terrified” by his behaviour.

The prosecution asked the Magistrate to suspend Singh’s licence.

“I believe a message needs to be sent to the public that these incidents will be dealt with severely and not tolerated,” the prosecutor told the court.

Magistrate Edwards said although there was no mandatory sentence for careless driving, there was a case for Singh’s licence to be suspended, as the damage he caused to the victim’s vehicle was related to his offences.

However, the Magistrate decided Singh’s need to receive counselling was more important than sending a message to the public.

“Cases like this are becoming quite prevalent,” Magistrate Edwards said.

“(The victim) was sitting in his vehicle and attacked in the way he was could have feared he’d be physically attacked.

“This behaviour is absolutely not condoned and there is way too much of it in the community.

“Ordinarily I would consider a disqualification of licence but given your rehabilitation needs that would be setting you up to fail.”

The prosecution dropped charges of driving without a licence.

Mr Walls said Singh had apologised to the victims and paid for the damage he caused .

He read out part of Singh’s apology letter in court.

“I’d like to apologise for my behaviour towards you,” Mr Walls read.

“I am aware of the impact it had on your family members who attended court on your behalf.

“I knew I wouldn’t hurt you, but looking back and putting myself in your shoes I accept that’s not the way it seemed to you.”

Singh originally pleaded not guilty to the charges, which were laid at the beginning of this year.