October 25, 2023

A driver who fled the scene of a serious crash in a stolen car at Lower Wonga last year won’t serve any more jail time despite failing to help an injured driver.

Luke Russell Harvey, 38, of Caloundra, is already serving three years’ jail after pleading guilty to a string of charges earlier this year, including unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, break-and-entering and wilful damage.

He is eligible for parole next June.

The head-on crash, between a ute and a Jeep, occurred on the Wide Bay Highway between Hayes Road and the Lower Wonga Hall in March last year.

Harvey was the driver of one of the vehicles; the other driver was trapped in the wreckage.

About 4:50am, a passing motorist stopped to help but Harvey jumped into the good samaritan’s vehicle and drove off.

The stolen white Ford Falcon sedan was later located in Morayfield.

Gympie Magistrates Court was told on Tuesday that Harvey fled the scene rather than helping the other injured driver.

He pleaded guilty via videolink to failing to remain at the scene and render assistance.

Magistrate Bevan Hughes sentenced Harvey to one month’s jail, to be served concurrently with his previous sentence.