A Warrnambool motorist said he didn’t realise he had hit a fire hydrant that flooded a Warrnambool car park, a court was told.
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Luke Nicklaus, 28, of Balmoral Road, pleaded guilty to driving offences. He was fined $500 and his licence was suspended for one month. He was also ordered to pay over $1100 restitution.
On June 10 Nicklaus was kicked out of Warrnambool’s Caledonian Hotel after he threw a glass in anger.
Police said he hopped into his car, which was parked at the Grace Avenue car park.
As Nicklaus drove towards Koroit Street, he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a fire hydrant and parking sign.
The fire hydrant was ripped from the ground, causing water to gush onto the road for about 20 minutes.
Nicklaus left the scene.
Police attended his home on June 14 and found his vehicle parked outside. It was covered in red paint believed to be from the fire hydrant and a side mirror and wheel guard were missing.
Nicklaus told police he thought he had hit a bollard and rushed home became he had to work the next day. He said he had not been drinking.
Wannon Water said more than 28 kilolitres of water was lost from the fire hydrant, which cost more than $800 to replace.
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