Roosters Star Sandon Smith Avoids Jail After The hope is that this accident will highlight the responsibilities associated with driving, showing how such events can have long-term consequences for all parties involved.
Up-and-coming Sydney Roosters
playmaker, Sandon Smith, has been
spared jail time after a serious traffic
incident that led to a man losing two
toes. The 22-year-old footballer was
sentenced to a two-year conditional
release order on Friday after pleading
guilty to negligent driving occasioning
grievous bodily harm.
The incident took place in September
when Smith was heading out of his
driveway in Vaucluse, on his way to
training at Allianz Stadium. Due to
obstructed visibility, caused by other
vehicles and a tree, Smith began inching
out of the driveway when another car
struck his Audi A5. The collision caused
Smith’s vehicle to veer into a third car,
trapping the victim’s foot in the process.
The victim, who had been helping his
child out of the car at the time, suffered
severe injuries to his foot, resulting in
the loss of two toes and permanent
damage to the sensation in his right foot.
According to police prosecutor Adrian
Walsh, the events leading to the accident
were the result of a “series of
unfortunate events,” but the impact on
the victim’s life would be long-lasting.
“He spent eight weeks in the hospital
with many broken and fractured bones,”
Sergeant Walsh noted in court,
emphasizing the severe consequences
for the victim. Despite the tragic nature
of the incident, Smith, visibly shaken
after the crash, assisted witnesses in
freeing the man from the wreckage. He
later expressed genuine remorse for his
actions and the harm caused to the
victim.
Smith’s guilty plea to negligent driving
occasioning grievous bodily harm spared
him from a jail sentence. Instead, he was
handed a two-year conditional release
order, which allows him to avoid
imprisonment while still being held
accountable for his role in the accident.
The legal outcome has sparked
discussion, with some arguing that the
young player received a lenient penalty,
considering the severity of the injury
caused. However, Smith’s remorse and
the efforts he took to assist the injured
man have been acknowledged as
mitigating factors in the court’s decision.
Despite the ordeal, Smith remains
focused on his rugby league career, with
no immediate impact on his playing
status. The talented halfback is expected
to feature in the Roosters’ Round 1 match
against Brisbane at Allianz Stadium.
With long-time five-eighth Luke Keary
departing the club at the end of 2024,
Smith is set to partner new recruit Chad
Townsend in the halves, providing a
fresh dynamic to the team for the
upcoming NRL season.
Smith’s potential for the Roosters is
undeniable. He has shown great promise
in his early career, and his resilience in
the face of this setback is a testament to
his character. The Roosters will be
hoping to see the young playmaker
continue his development, as the club
looks to secure a strong start to the 2024
season. However, questions remain
about the long-term effects of the crash
on Smith’s mental state, as the incident
has undoubtedly left a mark on both the
player and the victim.
While Smith’s legal troubles are behind
him, the consequences of the accident
will likely linger for years to come, both
for the injured man and for the Roosters’
rising star. The hope is that the accident
will serve as a reminder of the
responsibilities that come with being
behind the wheel, and that such
incidents can have a lasting impact on
everyone involved.
