An American baseballer has been given a suspended sentence following a drug-induced carjacking in Adelaide's CBD earlier this year.
Timothy William Cusick, 28, had been drinking and was high on LSD when he forced a medical researcher from his car on North Terrace in March.
Cusick pleaded guilty to the theft of Austen Chen's car and driving dangerously from the scene.
The court heard he drove off on the wrong side of the road and eventually crashed the car into a tree in front of a home in Richmond, in Adelaide's inner-west.
Judge: 'This case should serve as a lesson'
District Court Judge Joanne Tracey said this case should serve as a lesson to others about the unpredictable and devastating effects drugs can have.
"It was fortunate there were not more serious consequences on the night," she said.
In a statement read to the court earlier this month Mr Chen said the incident had "completely changed his life" and left him with "horrific feelings" of emptiness and worthlessness.
During a previous sentencing submissions hearing, Cusick read a letter of apology to the court, addressing it to Mr Chen and the people of South Australia.
"I believe it was a heartfelt and genuine apology to Mr Chen," Judge Tracey said.
Cusick ordered to pay victim compensation
Cusick had been in Adelaide playing baseball for the Henley and Grange Baseball Club at the time and has been required to remain in Australia since his arrest.
He played 15 games in an unpaid role on a tourist visa and plans to return home to the United States.
He was ordered to serve a three-year-and-one-month suspended sentence.
He must pay the victim $6,551.25 in compensation.
The court heard once the money was paid his passport would be returned and he would be allowed to travel home to the United States.
