South West pit-passing celebration burnout proves costly

A South West teenager’s celebratory “passing the pits” burnout has proven costly and left his prized possession impounded. Jarrad James Roberts, 19, appeared in Bunbury Magistrates Court on July 19 where he pleaded guilty to causing excessive smoke and leaving burnt rubber on the road on May 5. The court was told the teenager was “celebrating” his white Holden Commodore passing inspection with a number of other vehicles at a parking lot and intersection included in the Bunbury Outer Ring Road works near Dardanup. The group were doing burnouts and doughnuts in the area when police were called. When officers attended, they saw hot loose rubber on Roberts’ tyres and he told them he had just “passed the pits” and was celebrating. Magistrate Joanne Andretich said it was “pretty silly behaviour” but acknowledged Roberts was only 19 years old. Despite his age, the celebration proved costly with an $800 fine now to be paid as well as $272.70 in court costs. Roberts’ car was also impounded for 28 days, but he was granted a spent conviction order — which came with a warning from Ms Andretich who told the teen they were “not handed out like lollies” if he were to re-offend.