NEWS DESK Police patrol
With Stephen Taylor
Jail for crash death A DRUNKEN driver who killed a friend and seriously injured two others at Tootgarook last year has been sentenced to more than 12 years’ jail. Brandon Phongthaihong, now 22, had drunk beer and bourbon before the incident at the intersection of Marshall and Field streets, 1.15am, 12 April. His friend, 17-year-old Timothy Hocking, of McCrae, died and three other 17-year-olds, from McCrae and Capel Sound, were injured when the Mazda CX3 crashed through a roundabout and into a tree. Phongthaihong had pleaded guilty in the Melbourne County Court to culpable driving causing death, two counts of negligently causing serious injury, and conduct endangering life. He was sentenced to 12 years and nine months’ jail, with a non-parole period of eight years nine months. He was also disqualified from driving for 12 years. The court was told Phongthaihong likely had a blood alcohol reading of 0.209-0.229, or more than four times the legal limit.
Charges follow car check A WOMAN seen by police walking near a grey Audi sedan at a Rosebud service station was later found to have a string of outstanding warrants against her name. The 28-year-old, of no fixed address, allegedly claimed to own the car when she was approached at the Nepean Highway service station, Monday 23 March. Sergeant Brendan Leihy, of Rosebud police, said a registration check listed the car as stolen, and a personal ID check found the woman was wanted on six outstanding matters. A search of the Audi allegedly found 4.8 grams of the drug ice and $660 cash. The woman was later charged with a range of
previous and current matters, including theft, four counts of obtaining property by deception, four counts of theft of a motor car, threat to inflict serious injury, making and using a false document (cheque), trafficking and possessing a drug of dependence, and handling stolen goods. After appearing at Dromana Magistrates’ Court she was further remanded to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, 7 April.
Caravan roll over
Footage sought
Long afternoon
SOMERVILLE Highway Patrol members are seeking help from people with mobile phone or dash-cam footage of the black Ford ute, above, which came to grief in the Coles car park, Mornington-Tyabb Road, Mornington, 11.50am, Friday 13 March. The driver, a 37-year-old Somerville man, had allegedly been doing burnouts at the Nepean Highway/Tanti Avenue and Nepean Highway/ Mornington-Tyabb Road intersections, before driving up to the car park where he ran over an embankment and got stuck. He was later airlifted to The Alfred hospital with serious injuries. (“Airlift after smash, drive-off” The News 13/3/2020). Police believe shoppers captured the driver’s on their phones. Anyone with footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000, or make an online report..
A CARRUM Downs woman allegedly blew 0.185 per cent when breath tested in Eramosa Road East, Somerville, Wednesday 25 March. Members of the Somerville Highway Patrol earlier saw the 26-year-old driving along Frankston-Flinders Road, Somerville, half over the fog line and half on the roadway, 8.30pm. She was allegedly doing 60kph in a 40kph zone when pulled over. The woman told police she had drunk a bottle of wine throughout the afternoon and thought she would be “right to drive”. She wasn’t. Her licence was immediately suspended and her car impounded. She will face court at a later date.
A CARAVAN that rolled over, above, about 1.5 kilometres south of Thompsons Road blocked the northbound lanes of the Frankston Freeway, Tuesday 24 March. Emergency services were called to the scene and the road was blocked for about an hour. Drivers were advised to use Eastlink and the Nepean Highway instead.
Battening down WHILE Mornington police station remains staffed 24/7 extra precautions have been taken
Crittenden Estate is one of the Peninsula’s oldest iconic wineries. Family owned and operated since 1982, we are locals passionate about making outstanding quality cool climate wines that reflect this incredible winemaking region. The Crittenden Family would like to thank everyone for their amazing support in these difficult times. We remain commited to getting wine to our customers in whatever way we are able to. We are currently offering a $15 discount across all ranges and free delivery Australia wide. Place your order with us online and if you are on the Mornington Peninsula, expect your wine to be delivered the following day. Simply visit www.crittendenwines.com.au and enter the promo code DELIVERMEWINE at the checkout, or phone us on 5987 3800 to place an order. We are more than happy to help with selection.
Crittenden Estate I 25 Harrisons Rd Dromana VIC 3936 www.crittendenwines.com.au I 5987 3800 PAGE 4
Southern Peninsula News 1 April 2020
for the safety of police and the public in response to the coronavirus. Visitors are being asked to stay behind a twometre exclusion zone near the counter. Police say they are aware of those waiting and will attend to them as soon as possible. They ask that prospective visitors assess whether they really need to attend the station. Those requiring documents to be signed should bring their own pens. To report a non-urgent crime or event, or for general police inquiries, call the police assistance line 131 444. Those requiring urgent police attendance should call 000.
Be cool, calm POLICE are encouraging people to act in a respectful and law-abiding manner – especially at supermarkets. Instances of people exhibiting unruly behaviour in supermarkets and shopping centres have occurred, although most people are doing the right thing. Many examples of goodwill and generosity have been shown to those less able or the disadvantaged. Police say they will act when required to stop unruly behaviour.
Crittenden Estate WINE CENTRE
At the time of going to print our Wine Centre remains open for take away sales but we are unable to provide tastings. We suggest you phone us before visiting to ensure we have been able to remain open.