Phillip James Turvey: Pingelly man who drove into fences and split a tree on a residential street cops fine

A Pingelly man who drove dangerously while “in a rage” on a residential street, splitting a tree and damaging two fences has received a hefty fine and licence disqualification. Phillip James Turvey, 35, appeared in Narrogin Magistrates Court on October 28 via video link from Casuarina Prison for dangerous driving in a confiscated zone, driving a vehicle where property was damaged and failing to stop, stealing a motor vehicle and assaulting a public officer. In his appearance, Turvey pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle and failing to stop when damaging property, and dangerous driving once it was denounced from reckless driving. Turvey had pleaded not guilty to stealing a motor vehicle on a previous appearance at Narrogin Magistrates Court on July 8 and has not yet entered a plea for assaulting an officer. Police prosecutor Sgt Warrick Walker told the court that on April 30, Turvey had left his home in a rage and threatened to harm himself after a verbal argument when having drinks with his family. While driving down Brown Street in Pingelly, he mounted the curb and ran over bushes before hitting a fence and splitting a tree shortly after 10am. The tree fell over and damaged a second residential fence. Sgt Walker said Turvey did not stop after the incident, but abandoned the car and left the scene on foot without serious injury. Defence lawyer Wendy Stewart said her client had fallen asleep at the wheel and over-corrected when he saw he was heading towards a house. She said that Turvey did not intend to kill or harm himself, or others. Sgt Walker said due to Turvey’s very poor driving record and the seriousness of the offence, the prosecution considered that a jail term was appropriate. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell said despite it being a serious incident, she did not agree with the prosecution. Turvey was fined $2100 with costs of $156, and his licence was disqualified for 12 months. His two remaining charges occurred on a separate occasion. A two-day trail for stealing a motor vehicle was set for October 28 and 29, 2026. Turvey will next appear in Narrogin Magistrates Court on January 6 for legal advice on the assault charge, and was released on bail with a $1000 undertaking.