Jakob Thornton had his licence suspended four times as a P-plater before he allegedly mowed down two police officers in his van while using his mobile, a court has been told.
The 22-year-old is accused of severing the foot of a policeman and seriously injuring another as he ran through a random breath test site about 8.20pm Friday in Leumeah, in Sydney’s west.
He faced Parramatta Bail Court via video link on Saturday, charged with dangerous driving offences, including dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm and using a mobile phone when not permitted.
Jakob Thornton (pictured) had his licence suspended four times as a P-plater before he allegedly mowed down two police officers in his van while using his mobile, court has heard
Mr Thornton – who allegedly severed the foot of a policeman and seriously injured another as he ran through a random breath test site while using his mobile in Sydney’s west – was denied bail
One of the senior constables was still fighting for life in Liverpool Hospital on Saturday morning after his leg was partially amputated, police confirmed
The court heard Mr Thornton lost his licence four times in four years, and was fined in 2016 for using his mobile while driving, The Daily Telegraph reported.
He ploughed into senior constables Jonathon Wright and Matthew Foley in his Fiat van at 60km/h while looking at his phone on Friday night, court heard.
Mr Thornton then admitted to police officers he was looking at his phone for 10 to 20 seconds when he crashed into the two officers, court heard.
‘Ten to 20 seconds at 60 kilometres an hour, that is a few hundred metres,’ magistrate John Favretto said, according to Sydney Morning Herald.
Prosecutor senior sergeant Leesa McEvoy told the court police lights and safety measures were in place as the constables set up the road side breath testing site.
Policemen were airlifted to Liverpool Hospital after being struck on Campbelltown Road, in Leumeah on Friday night
The 22-year-old ploughed into senior constables Jonathon Wright and Matthew Foley in his Fiat van at 60km/h while looking at his phone on Friday night, court heard
‘The strength of the prosecution case is nothing short of solid,’ senior sergeant McEvoy added.
Mr Thornton’s application for bail was denied and he was ordered to face Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday.
One of the senior constables was still fighting for life in Liverpool Hospital on Saturday morning after his leg was amputated 15cm above his foot, police confirmed.
The other senior constable – who suffered a ‘serious fracture’ remains in a stable condition.
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