Mark John Britt: Alleged driver who hit Sam Kerr’s nan, Coral, escorted from court after erratic appearance

There were chaotic scenes in Fremantle Magistrates Court on Tuesday as the man who allegedly hit Sam Kerr’s grandmother with his car told the magistrate he was “not guilty” before being escorted from the premises by security. Mark John Britt is facing allegations he drove dangerously before hitting Kerr’s 90-year-old grandmother, Coral, in Palmyra on December 27 last year. Coral Kerr was getting off a bus near her home about 10.45am when she was allegedly hit by Mr Britt’s white Great Wall ute near the intersection of Marmion and Justinian streets. The 63-year-old was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm. On Tuesday, Mr Britt refused the help of a duty lawyer and told Magistrate Thomas Hall “I want to plead not guilty”, before continuing to talk about his diabetic condition before the court. Mr Hall did not accept the plea, suggesting Mr Britt seek legal advice. But Mr Britt continued to talk about the incident and his condition, even after being asked to stop by both the magistrate and police prosecutor Sergeant Don Freer. “I don’t need to hear this now,” Mr Hall said over Mr Britt. “Why can’t you listen? You have four weeks to get some legal advice.” Sgt Freer did not oppose the adjournment as police were awaiting the results of a toxicology report that would detail the extent of Mrs Kerr’s injuries. Court security urged Mr Britt to take his seat and “please be quiet” during the next hearing, but he refused to do so and was subsequently escorted out of the court. Mr Britt’s bail was extended and he will appear before Fremantle Magistrates Court on March 4. Mrs Kerr suffered injuries including multiple broken bones and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital. Sam Kerr’s father, Roger, told The West his 90-year-old mother had undergone major surgery following the incident. “For 90 she’s going pretty well. She’s had both her hips done, her pelvis done, a rod in her knee, two broken ankles . . . she’s come through all of it,” Mr Kerr said. “She’s a real strong lady, naturally she’s a bit upset because she can’t move around and it’s going to take her a long time to move, but she’s in good health and good spirits, that’s the main thing,” he said. Mrs Kerr has since been moved to a rehabilitation ward closer to her family, where she is expected to recover for about six months.