A Cairns real estate agent has described to a court how he was forced to use his Uber's car doors as a shield to protect himself during a frightening road rage attack in the city's south.
Violent Confrontation on the Road
The incident unfolded on the evening of November 18, 2023, after the agent, Jarrod Johnstone, left a social function. The court heard that Johnstone's Uber driver became involved in a traffic dispute with another motorist, Jesse James Wyles, on the Bruce Highway near Edmonton.
According to police prosecutor Senior Constable Lily O'Donohue, the altercation began when Wyles, 31, allegedly began tailgating and aggressively driving around the Uber vehicle. The situation escalated when both vehicles stopped at a red traffic light.
Doors Used as a Defensive Barrier
Wyles allegedly exited his car and approached the Uber. Fearing for his safety, Johnstone told the Cairns Magistrates Court he opened both rear passenger doors of the Uber to create a physical barrier between himself and the aggressive driver.
"The defendant has then reached through the doors and punched the victim to the head," Senior Constable O'Donohue told the court. The prosecutor stated that Wyles threw multiple punches, connecting with Johnstone's head and body, before the victim managed to close the car doors.
The attack only ceased when the traffic lights turned green and the Uber driver was able to drive away from the scene. The entire violent episode was captured on the Uber's internal dashcam.
Legal Repercussions for the Aggressor
Jesse James Wyles, of Bentley Park, pleaded guilty in Cairns Magistrates Court to one charge of common assault arising from the incident. His legal representative, defence lawyer Zoe Craven, told the court her client had expressed remorse for his actions.
Magistrate Louise Shephard considered the seriousness of the unprovoked attack. She noted that Wyles had a relevant criminal history, which included a previous conviction for a public nuisance offence involving violence.
In delivering her sentence, Magistrate Shephard told Wyles, "You should be ashamed of yourself for your behaviour that night." She emphasised that such acts of violence on the road would not be tolerated.
Wyles was convicted and fined $1500. No conviction was recorded, but he was ordered to pay $500 in compensation to the victim, Jarrod Johnstone. The court also mandated that Wyles must complete 40 hours of community service.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of road rage and the rapid escalation that can occur from minor traffic disputes. The use of the vehicle doors as a defensive shield highlights the extreme measures victims feel compelled to take when faced with sudden, violent aggression.
