Armidale businessman Sam Uphill pleads guilty to reckless driving after spider scare

Sam Charles Uphill, a well‑known businessman from Armidale, New South Wales, admitted to driving recklessly on the New England Highway after being startled by a huntsman spider crawling from his vehicle's dashboard. Police footage showed him briefly entering the opposite lane, forcing a southbound Ford Falcon to brake sharply and swerve off the road to avoid a head‑on collision.

Uphill appeared in Armidale Local Court on July 27, where his solicitor, Ms White, confirmed his guilty plea to a single charge of reckless driving. The presiding judge, Mark Richardson, warned that Uphill faces potential loss of his licence and possible jail time, noting the seriousness of the offence. Uphill told police, "It scared the s--- out of me," and said he was not using a phone or attempting an overtake.

The court will order a pre‑sentencing report before determining the final penalty, which could have significant impact on his ability to operate his work ute for his regional business.