A MALE and female have been released on bail after a motoring exploit through the back bush reserves of Wonthaggi on Wednesday morning at 8.21am.
According to local police, it is alleged that a 33-year-old male from North Wonthaggi and a 21-year-old female from Wonthaggi attempted to somewhat recreate the old railway line journey between the Historic Railway Line/Bushland Area and the Wonthaggi G243 Bushland Reserve of the mighty black steam locomotives, albeit in a white Toyota Hilux workmate (the two wheel drive version – with two cup holders).
It’s alleged the modern-day engine driver and his female fire stoker were attempting to haul some suspected ill-gotten gains in the back aluminium tray.
As the modern-day locomotive chugged its way from Billson Street along the former line, past the growing abundance of native teatree, it made its way up into Loughran Drive, where it avoided the bollards and kept going up the slight incline.
As it rounded the tracks, the current version of bygone train somewhat derailed, and due to the mixture of unseasonably dry conditions and a few dumps of rain, the soft ground was unforgiving to the bald and uncared for steel radials, and the wheels became bogged.
The lack of traction, and some alleged drug impairment caused much consternation amongst the wishful engine driver and his stoker, and the sound of the neglected unleaded petrol engine was drowned out by a quarrel, which drew the attention of local workers, who contacted triple zero.
Having left substantial gouge marks on the soil and council gravel mix, after many attempts, the modern-day locomotive gained momentum and took off at speed, powering towards the Bass Highway.
Speeding across Inverloch Road without sounding its whistle, it went on the Fincher Street Reserve, where it is alleged the driver thought it was a good idea to do many doughnuts.
The modern-day locomotive then continued on its journey onto Wentworth Road.
Coming up to Brook Street, the modern-day locomotive thought that the corner would be another good place to showcase its capabilities, and drove in an unsafe manner,
At Dowling Street, the driver was presented with a simple choice, to go right or go left, but in keeping with what police will allege was a morning of poor decisions, the aspirant train driver decided to go straight ahead, down a driveway.
The little Hilux came in fast and spun, doing a motorised version of an uncontrolled pirouette, and the rear tray met the trunk of a large pear tree,
At this time, it is alleged that the occupants of the now stuck and not so powerful
With the two recent train devotees now on the run, a few local residents and workers were able to point local police in the right direction, towards the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
With many local police units converging on the reserve, the first sergeant took the opportunity to jump from the police Hilux (a much better vehicle for the terrain, and with triple the cup holders) and bounded across the oval to where the female was. In what the sergeant describes as his only good performance on the wing, the female was taken down swiftly, and the sergeant was able to claim the possession.
The limping male made his way across the oval without interruption, however, the strong backline of the Bass Coast Highway Patrol, and a traffic inclined senior constable, were able to take this opposition player into custody, forcing him across the line, out of bounds.
The male was charged with:
• Reckless Conduct Endanger Serious Injury
• Possess Methyl Amphetamine
• Possess 1,4 Butanediol
• Possess Prohibited Weapon Without Exemption
• Commit Indictable Offence Whilst On Bail (X 4)
• Use Unregistered Motor Vehicle
• Drive Vehicle Whilst Exceeding Prescribed Concentration Of Drugs
• Fail Oral Fluid Test Within 3 Hours Of Driving
• Drive In A Manner Dangerous
• Use Vehicle That Does Not Comply With Registration Standard
• Careless Driving
• Fail To Have Proper Control Of Vehicle
• Improper Use Of Motor Vehicle
• Drive Vehicle Without Number Plate Affixed (X 2)
The male was bailed to appear at the Korumburra Magistrates’ Court in December.
The female was found to be wanted by police due to having five warrants for her arrest, and was put before the Korumburra Magistrates’ Court.
If you witnessed this incident or have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers.
