Warren Andrew Smith fined, disqualified from driving after speeding and abusing police

A Shoalwater man who was caught driving on the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic has been fined and disqualified from driving after refusing to provide a breath analysis sample and verbally abusing police at Rockingham police station. Warren Andrew Smith, 56, was sentenced at Rockingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday, June 14, on counts of dangerous driving, failing to comply and disorderly behaviour in a police station. Police prosecutor Sen. Const. Jessica Anderson told the court Smith had been driving along Arcadia Street in Shoalwater about 4.30pm on May 7. He was seen crossing over on to the wrong side of the road and into oncoming traffic. Other drivers had to swerve out of the way, narrowly missing Smith’s vehicle. After overtaking another driver and exiting a roundabout, Smith’s vehicle ended up in a bush. He quickly reversed out and continued to drive away. The incident was captured on video by a member of the public. When police went to Smith’s home, he said: “It wasn’t me. Prove it.” Police requested Smith undergo a breath analysis but he refused and was taken to the Rockingham police station. Smith continued to refuse the breath analysis test and became hostile and verbally abusive towards police. “I don’t have to speak to you c***,” he said. “F*** off. You are liars, cops are liars.” Magistrate Linda Keane asked Smith if he had an explanation about what happened that day. Smith said he had been struggling with his mental health and had just started a new job working long hours. “I had just finished work and wanted to get home,” he said. “I wasn’t speeding, but I did refuse every test that the police requested.” Ms Keane said people were obviously “concerned” enough to call police and Smith was “downplaying” his behaviour. Smith said he was “embarrassed” and “ashamed”. “If there is anything going on, I hope you are getting help,” Ms Keane said. “You could have hurt yourself or someone else.” Smith received a 15-month driving disqualification, fined $2800 and was ordered to pay costs of $264.30. Lifeline 13 11 14