Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
ABC News
ABC News
National

Former Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns charged with drink driving after head-on collision

Daniel Johns, pictured here in 2019, has been charged with high-range drink driving. (Supplied: Daniel Johns/Jordan Munns)

Daniel Johns, the former frontman of defunct rock band Silverchair, has been charged with high-range drink driving after a head-on crash north of Newcastle.

The crash happened at about 10:30pm on Wednesday, authorities said, shortly after the 42-year-old left a petrol station.

Police alleged Johns was heading north in his SUV when it crossed to the wrong side of the Pacific Highway at North Arm Cove and collided with a van travelling in the opposite direction.

Both vehicles ended up on a nearby nature strip.

"The driver of the van, a 51-year-old man, and a 55-year-old female passenger were treated at the scene," police said.

Johns was breath-tested at the scene and allegedly returned a positive result.

A second test at Raymond Terrace police station allegedly returned a reading of 0.157.

Johns was charged last night.

Panic attacks and self-medication

Within hours of leaving the police station, Johns took to Instagram to say he would check himself into rehab.

"As you know my mental health is a work in progress," he said.

"Over the last week I began to experience panic attacks.

"Last night I got lost while driving and was in an accident.

"I am OK — everyone's OK.

"Alongside my therapy I have been self-medicating with alcohol to deal with my PTSD, anxiety and depression.

"I know this is not sustainable or healthy.

"Appreciate your love and support."

In recent months Johns said on a podcast that his time in Silverchair haunted him.

He is expected to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on April 11.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.