Aussie social media 'idiot' warned viral car jumping video could attract $3000 fine
A Gold Coast cliff diver who posted a video jumping from the roof of a moving car has attracted the ire of local councillors and the authorities.
A Gold Coast cliff diver who posts his death-defying stunts on social media has been branded an "idiot" by a local councillor and warned by Queensland Police that his antics could attract a hefty fine. The man, who does not wished to be named by media, uploaded one recent video jumping from the roof of moving a car into the notoriously shallow waters beneath the Currumbin Bridge.
The wild act, which the daredevil and his mates filmed on multiple cameras as he plunged 13 metres into the water, could attract a fine of $3000 and potentially even prison time, police say. The man, whom appears to go by the alias "Mad Jonny" online, said his stunts "are a calculated risk".
"I know it's dangerous and things can go wrong," he told media, but added he knows his "own abilities".
His full identity is reportedly unknown to authorities, though they are aware of the footage circulated on social media which remains online and have condemned it. One local Gold Coast councillor, Gail O'Neill, certainly didn't see the amusing side.
"What an idiot — there's something wrong with that chap," she told 9News.
Unverified reports suggest the cliff diver is a young teen, aged just 14.
Driver could also face charges
In a statement to Yahoo News Australia, Gold Coast District Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles warned the offence could, theoretically, result in a year imprisonment or fines of about $3000.
"Police are aware of this incident and ask anyone with information or relevant dashcam footage to come forward," he said. "Undertaking this sort of high-risk activities is a serious offence and can result in significant penalties for those undertaking the activity and the driver of the vehicle involved.
"Police strongly discourage anyone from attempting such stunts. These actions not only put the individual’s life at risk but also endanger others – the thrill is not worth the potential consequences."
Superintendent Knowles added that if the driver is found to be complicit in the stunt, they too could face charges.
Aussies shocked by 'deplorable' stunt spotted above Melbourne CBD
Tradie’s dangerous stunt at work site sparks alarm: ‘Heads will roll’
Video caption warns: 'You might die!'
Meanwhile on social media, "Mad Jonny's" videos have been seen thousands of times and attracted an onslaught of responses. People questioned whether he "checked below for boats" while others asked if he worries "if there's something in the water?".
A Queensland Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said they were trying to crack down on the illegal jumping activity at Currumbin and Tallebudgera Creek bridges.
“Safety is of paramount importance. It is extremely disappointing that people continue to put their lives and that of others at risk by jumping off Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creek bridges,” they told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
The young Queenslander cliff jumper admitted he "probably has an addiction to go over my limits" but is adamant his stunts are carried out with a "a lot of preparation and with a lot of people watching out". Speaking to multiple media outlets anonymously, the man brushed off claims his acts were dangerous.
However the caption posted alongside the video on Instagram reads: "Don’t try this by your own. This is a high risk activity and I wouldn’t recommend anybody doing it now you can insure yourself really bad or you might even die!"
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
