Crash driver has careless, violent history

A man who crashed into a car in a road rage attack last year has a record for careless driving and violence.

Corie Jason Barker, 24, pleaded guilty in the Bunbury Magistrate’s Court on Friday to three charges, including two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and failing to stop after a road incident.

Barker was driving on the Australind Bypass on December 3, when he hit another car, forcing it to veer to the other side of the road, hitting a Mitsubishi Pajero, before stopping in a ditch.

During Friday’s hearing, defence lawyer Daniel Iacopetta wanted to give submissions in court, however, police prosecutor Sgt Barry Phelps asked for a pre-sentence report before sentencing.

Magistrate Elizabeth Hamilton said the offences were serious and said Barker had been convicted for careless driving and for offences involving violence.

She said the record showed he had a “degree of recklessness”.

After the crash, a woman was trapped in her car and firefighters had to cut her out before she was taken to Bunbury Hospital.

Barker did not stop after the incident but later that day was interviewed by police before he was charged with the offences.

The crash slowed morning traffic on the bypass.

The RAC rescue helicopter was called from Perth and landed at the Grace Christian School but was not used.

Barker was remanded on bail to next appear in court on March 31.