A police officer has called out “childish and selfish“ behaviour of a driver charged over allegedly performing dangerous manoeuvres in a “clown car“.
The Sunshine Coast man has been charged with multiple offences after he allegedly performed the acts in a heavily modified vehicle and uploaded vision to social media.
Police said the 29-year-old man purchased a “clown car” with a fuel system comprising a plastic jerry can attached to a rubber hose, and made some additional modifications to the vehicle.
Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said police would not turn a blind eye to someone blatantly flouting the law.
“Putting not only your own life at risk but those of your mates for the sake of social media notoriety is childish and selfish behaviour,” Superintendent Hawkins said.
On 30 September, a search warrant was executed at Image Flat, during which officers seized multiple items.
The 29-year-old Image Flat man was arrested at the residence and charged with multiple offences.
He was bailed to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 12 December.
Highway Patrol investigators also attended the addresses of people who they said allegedly appeared in and contributed to the videos.
Nine people were issued with 70 Traffic Infringement Notices (TINs) with a combined total of 99 associated demerit points and total value of $27,800.
Police said investigations were continuing with further TINs likely to be issued and additional offences detected.
“Sharing these antics with his large contingent of online followers has come at a significant financial cost, both in fines and the loss of vehicles, Superintendent Hawkins said.
“Our message to anyone taking part in foolish and high-risk activities or thinking you can push modified, unsafe vehicles to the limit is that we will continue to target you, investigate and take action.”
In addition to penalties for hooning related offences of fines of up to $5338 and terms of imprisonment up to 6 months, hoons also face having their vehicle impounded or immobilised.
