‘shame’ over tyre throw

A man who had a “bad day” has narrowly avoided a jail term after throwing a bicycle tyre at three cars in busy traffic, close to a Rockingham school. Trevor Scott Broughton appeared in Rockingham Magistrate’s Court last week via video link from Hakea prison and pleaded guilty to endangering life, health and safety of others, breaching community orders, breaching bail and criminal damage and destruction of property. Police prosecutor Sergeant Vanessa Day said about 1.20pm on November 11, Broughton was walking south along Read Street. His first victim was driving north when Broughton launched a bicycle tyre towards the vehicle, causing it to swerve across the lanes and on to the wrong side of the road. Broughton then crossed the road to pick up the tyre and threw it at another car travelling south. It landed on the roof and caused the driver to panic and swerve. He once again picked up the tyre and threw it at the third car also travelling south, which swerved off Read Street on to a side road. His throw at the last victim caused minor damage to the car. The traffic was heavy and police said all victims were very upset after the attacks. Broughton was arrested and told police “I was having a bad day, I’m sorry, I know what I did was wrong”. He was also charged with criminal damage in a separate incident on March 22, while he was sleeping rough in Rockingham. About 1.15pm Sgt Day said Broughton became enraged with his living situation and began yelling abuse at passers-by. He then turned to a nearby shop window and smashed it. Broughton’s lawyer said his client had expressed “deep shame” and was drunk in both instances. Magistrate Vivian Edwards said it was “lucky no one was injured or killed. Ms Edwards gave him a nine-month jail term, suspended for a year.