Roosters NRL star Sandon Smith pleads guilty to shocking driving offence that resulted in a man getting a body part amputated
- Sandon Smith’s case was heard in the Sydney District Court on Friday
- The man suffered serious injuries and may require further surgery
Rising Sydney Roosters playmaker Sandon Smith has pleaded guilty for his role in a car crash that left a pedestrian with serious foot injuries that required the man’s little toe to be amputated, court documents show.
The 21-year-old halfback will appear in Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court in December when he will be sentenced after pleading guilty to a serious driving offense arising from the March 31 incident.
Smith was not required to be present in court on Friday when his lawyer David Newham entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client to one charge of negligent driving occasioning serious bodily harm.
According to a series of police records presented to the court, Smith tried to force his way out of a driveway on Old South Head Road in Vaucluse on the morning of March 13.
At the time, his view to the right was obstructed by parked cars and he “constantly sharpened” his vehicle to “get a clear view of oncoming traffic.”
At the same time, a Toyota Kluger was traveling along Old South Head Road when the female driver suddenly noticed Smith’s vehicle “appearing in front of two parked vehicles and veering into her lane,” according to court documents.
Sydney Roosters halfback Sandon Smith (pictured) will be sentenced on December 13 after pleading guilty to one count of negligent driving occasioning serious bodily harm
Smith, 21, (pictured) was given a breath test after the incident on Old South Head Road in Sydney’s east on March 13 this year
The female driver attempted to brake; however, she collided with the front of Smith’s car.
At the same time, a 38-year-old man stood outside his parked car trying to get his son out the back door.
According to police facts, the man’s vehicle was pushed forward, forcing the steering wheel onto his right foot and trapping him between the tire and the curb.
Smith and the other driver both reported negative results when given roadside breath tests.
As a result of his injuries, the man underwent “many operations” and had his little toe amputated, police records show.
He also suffered further fractures to his fibula and right foot.
According to court documents, the man is still seeing a psychiatrist, physical therapist and pain specialist for his injuries and may require further surgery.
Police accused Smith of careless driving and said the man’s injuries amounted to serious bodily harm.
On September 10, Smith was arraigned and given a future notice of court attendance.
He will be sentenced on December 13.
Smith made his Roosters debut in 2023 and was part of their NRL squad this year, including their finals round.
He is expected to start at halfback next year following Luke Keary’s move to Super League and Sam Walker’s ACL injury.