Coins and punches thrown in Queensland road rage attack

Laine Clark | July 27, 2023

Cut off by another motorist, Karen Amaketo Matautia pursued the vehicle along a highway while her passenger threw coins.

When the other motorist eventually stopped at a drive-through coffee shop, her car door suddenly opened and Matautia gave her a belting.

“This is just lunacy,” Judge Michael Byrne said in Brisbane District Court on Thursday.

The other motorist had attempted to change lanes on the Centenary Highway south of Brisbane in April 2022 but did not see Matautia’s vehicle in her blind spot, the court was told.

“All because somebody made a mistake on a highway? We all do it. I will guarantee you she (Matautia) has,” Judge Byrne said.

Rude gestures were exchanged before the other motorist attempted to drive away from Matautia.

“This results with some fool sitting in the front seat of your car throwing coins at the other woman’s car,” Judge Byrne said.

Matautia, a New Zealand-born single mother, followed the other motorist off the highway to a nearby shopping centre.

“You followed her to a drive-through coffee shop, get out, opened the car (door) … and give her a belting,” Judge Byrne said.

The other motorist was punched by Matautia multiple times and suffered bruising, swelling and a mild concussion.

Her victim impact statement said her injuries prevented her from doing her daily duties for a period of time and she suffered a loss of income.

Judge Byrne said Matautia was fortunate the other motorist was not more seriously injured.

“She could have smashed this woman’s nose all over her face, it’s just good luck she didn’t,” he said.

“Stop and think for a moment if the role was reversed and you had your … daughter sitting in your car and somebody opens it up and starts belting you – that’s not on.”

Judge Byrne was told Matautia now had nothing to do with the male passenger who was throwing coins at the other motorist.

“From what I am able to observe that’s probably just for the better,” he said.

Matautia pleaded guilty to enter premises with intent and assault occasioning bodily harm.

The 24-year-old, who had no criminal history, was sentenced to 60 hours of community service and ordered to pay $500 compensation.

“I note that you have offered that ($500) without having to be crowbarred from you,” Judge Byrne said.