Driver sentenced after hitting pedestrian in Canberra crash
Driver Nathan Deacon was sentenced to nine months jail for hitting a pedestrian and causing life-changing injuries.
Deacon took his hands off the wheel when a brick hit his car, causing it to swerve, mount the gutter and strike the man on Oaks Estate. The victim suffered a broken leg, exposed tibia and heavy bleeding.
Court footage showed the man get up and limp away before the scene ended. The victim has had three surgeries and faces at least one more.
As a construction worker, the man said his injuries destroyed his livelihood and left him facing the terrifying reality that he may never be fit enough to work again. The court heard Deacon had used illicit substances that day but had since completed rehabilitation.
He pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, driving while suspended and driving an unregistered vehicle. Magistrate James Lawton said he could have easily killed the man but noted Deacon's rehabilitation efforts were pleasing.
- Nine months, four months suspended
- Sentence length
- 6 February 2026
- Incident date
- Oaks Estate, Canberra
- Location
- Three completed, at least one more
- Victim surgeries
Why it mattersA serious case showing the life-altering consequences of distracted driving and the court's response to reckless behaviour on Canberra streets.
AustraliaA Canberra driver has been jailed for a hit-and-run that caused catastrophic injuries and destroyed a worker's career, reflecting the courts' response to dangerous driving.
