Drunk Driver Who ‘Weaponised’ Car to Attack Crowd Outside Pub Jailed for Six Years – But Will Be Deported to New Zealand After Serving Sentence
- A drunk driver who reversed into a crowd of people outside a South Australian pub has been jailed for six years
- Eric Danielle Tama Wharerua Cooper, 38, was more than twice the legal blood alcohol limit when he ‘weaponised’ his vehicle
- Nine people were seriously injured in the incident, including one young man who suffered two broken legs and severe blood loss
- Cooper will be deported to New Zealand after serving his sentence, which has been backdated to when he was taken into custody
The small town of Port Elliot, in rural South Australia, was left reeling after a night of chaos and destruction outside the local pub. Eric Danielle Tama Wharerua Cooper, a 38-year-old New Zealand national, had been drinking heavily before getting behind the wheel of his car.
What happened next would change the lives of nine innocent bystanders forever.
Cooper had been driving erratically around the town, revving his engine and doing burnouts, before pulling up outside the Royal Family Hotel. Patrons told him to slow down, which led to an altercation and Cooper’s car being kicked and punched.
But it was what Cooper did next that would earn him a six-year jail sentence. He deliberately reversed his car into the crowd, slamming on the brakes and turning onto the sidewalk before hitting a group of people.
The court heard that Cooper’s actions were “egregious” and that he had “weaponised” his vehicle. Judge Heath Barklay said Cooper could not have failed to realise that reversing into the crowd would cause harm.
“You could not have failed to realise when you put your car into reverse that it was likely, if not inevitable, that you would drive into multiple people,” he said.
The incident left nine people seriously injured, including one young man who suffered two broken legs and severe blood loss. He had to undergo two surgeries, totalling more than 20 hours, to save one of his legs.
The court heard that the incident had changed the lives of the victims forever, with one victim impact statement describing it as a “deliberate and violent act” that was “not an accident”.
Cooper’s defence counsel, Tim Dibden, said his client was “aware of the broader impact of his foolish, alcohol-affected aggressive driving”. Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to an aggravated count of causing serious harm by dangerous driving and eight aggravated counts of causing harm.
He was sentenced to six years behind bars, with a non-parole period of three years and 10 months.
But Cooper’s time in Australia will be limited. He will be deported to New Zealand after serving his sentence, which has been backdated to when he was taken into custody.
This means he will be eligible for release in August 2028.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia
Cooper’s case highlights the dangers of drink-driving and the devastating consequences of reckless behaviour on our roads. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of our immigration laws and the deportation of foreign nationals who commit serious crimes in Australia.
Security analysts say that the case is a wake-up call for the government to review its policies and ensure that those who pose a risk to public safety are held accountable.
Law enforcement insiders warn that Cooper’s actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. “Drink-driving is a serious issue in Australia, and cases like this highlight the need for tougher penalties and increased enforcement,” one insider said.
Industry observers believe that the incident could have been prevented with more stringent drink-driving laws and better education campaigns. “We need to do more to prevent drink-driving and protect innocent lives,” one observer said.
As for Cooper, his fate is now sealed. He will spend the next six years behind bars, reflecting on the devastating consequences of his actions.
But for the people of Port Elliot, the impact of that fateful night will be felt for a long time to come.
