An off-duty police officer, Ben Robert Wager, has been sentenced for taking a police car on a high-speed joyride after his shift at the Summernats car festival in Canberra, reaching speeds of 160km/h before crashing into a tree.
Details of the incident
Wager, 28, was working at the Summernats event on January 7, 2023. After his shift, he took a marked police car without authorisation and drove it at extreme speeds through the streets of Canberra. The joyride ended when he lost control and crashed into a tree in the suburb of Fyshwick.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Peter Crampton told the ACT Magistrates Court that Wager had been captured on CCTV driving the vehicle at 160km/h in a 60km/h zone. The crash caused significant damage to the police car, but Wager was not seriously injured.
Court proceedings
Wager pleaded guilty to charges of taking a motor vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended after six months, and disqualified from driving for two years.
Magistrate James Lawton described Wager's actions as "a gross breach of trust" and noted that he had put the public at risk. "You were in a position of trust as a police officer, and you have let down the community and your colleagues," Lawton said.
Impact and consequences
Wager's actions have had significant consequences for his career. He was immediately suspended from the Australian Federal Police and is likely to face disciplinary proceedings that could result in his dismissal. The incident has also damaged public trust in the police force.
In a statement, the AFP said it was "disappointed" by Wager's behavior and would continue to hold its officers to the highest standards. "This type of conduct is completely unacceptable and does not reflect the values of the AFP," a spokesperson said.
Wager's lawyer, James Sabharwal, argued that his client was suffering from stress and had made a "stupid mistake." He said Wager had been under pressure from his colleagues to show off after the festival.
The court heard that Wager had also been driving while disqualified, having previously lost his license for a separate traffic offense. The incident has raised questions about the vetting and supervision of police officers in Canberra.
