Man jailed for e-bike crash that injured motorcyclist

Laine Clark | April 20, 2023

Moments after causing a collision on an electric bike, Jackson Garth Selwyn Gregory saw a 61-year-old on the ground with a bone protruding from his arm – and ran away.

While others tried to help, Gregory passed the seriously injured motorcyclist as he fled the scene in Brisbane’s CBD in September 2021.

After his “callous action”, the 20-year-old first-time offender was ordered to serve prison time in Brisbane District Court on Thursday.

Gregory rode a rented e-bike into oncoming traffic at a Fortitude Valley intersection, colliding with the 61-year-old who was heading home from work after midnight.

The motorcyclist had no time to react as he travelled through a green light about 60km/h, and was thrown from his bike by the impact.

He spent four days in hospital after suffering a broken wrist with bone penetrating the skin, an ankle fracture, a dislocated toe and a knee injury.

He has undergone six surgeries.

The motorcyclist now has an ankle disability, lower back pain and has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis which appears linked to the leg injuries.

He said in his victim impact statement he feared he would be unable to keep working as a security guard and was concerned about his job prospects.

Gregory was thrown from the e-bike in the crash but did not suffer any substantial injuries.

He was able to run past the motorcyclist who he saw lying on the ground as members of the public went to help.

Police found Gregory three months later through bank and email details used to hire the e-bike.

Judge John Allen said he might not have sentenced Gregory to a term of imprisonment if the university student had not fled the scene.

“That was a particularly callous action even if it be panic or fear – it is a very significant factor in determining sentence,” he said.

“In my view, (leaving the scene) tips the balance against those considerations of leniency for young first offenders and leads me to conclude that considerations of general deterrence require you to spend an actual period of time in custody.”

Judge Allen said Gregory’s offence also demonstrated the very real potential for serious injury involved in the dangerous operation of vehicles such as e-bikes.

He said it was necessary for the court to send a message to deter others from committing such offences.

Judge Allen said Gregory’s youth, lack of previous convictions, the fact he was otherwise of good character and had excellent rehabilitation prospects would be reflected in the time he spent in custody.

Gregory pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm before leaving the scene.

He was sentenced to 18 months in jail, to be suspended for two-and-a-half years after serving three months.

Gregory was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

The court heard Gregory would likely face civil action from the motorcyclist.