ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
There were chaotic scenes this morning at the French Quarter local courts after the son of a prominent banker failed to have his conviction sealed by the court.
Johnathon Hugh-Poon, the 19-year-old second born son of Betoota Grove hedgefund manager Alastair Poon, pleaded guilty to a string of charges earlier this month under the proviso that his convictions would not be recorded.
However, the public prosecutor negged on the plea bargain under the advice of Magistrate Sandra Brown who felt that the punishment did not fit the crime.
In October last year, Johnathon stole his father’s late model BMW with two friends and went on a joyride.
Alastair, seeing that his car was missing, phoned the police to report it stolen.
Police were quick to find the car and attempted to pull it over – but Johnathon and his partners in crime refused to and led police on an hour-long chase through the windy backroads of Betoota Heights.
A roadblock was set up to put an end to the chase but the fugitive was able to dodge it.
Moments before the sun came up, the car ran out of petrol and the boys fled on foot.
Johnathon was run down by Probationary Constable Greg Porter, who in a previous life trialled for a spot in the North Queensland Cowboys trial team.
Days later while recovering from his two broken arms, bruised spine, concussion and gravel rash in hospital, he was formally charged with several offences.
However, due to his father’s immense wealth and personal connections, he was granted bail immediately and was due in court when he felt up to it.
Until today, proceeds progressed as normal.
Mr Hugh-Poon will be sentenced on October 13.
Mass demonstrations by the Bankers & Surgeons Union of Australia have been planned and approved by police and the shire council.
More to come.
