A 31-year-old man will spend at least 18 months in jail for driving in an "extremely dangerous" manner while attempting to avoid capture by Tasmania Police.
Jade Anthony Charles has been in custody since March 9, when he attempted to evade police between Spreyton and East Devonport, at times driving on the wrong side of the road at speed and through roadworks.
He pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to charges of dangerous driving, evading police in aggravated circumstances and driving whilst disqualified and was sentenced by Justice Michael Brett last week.
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Justice Brett said Charles' dangerous driving was "lengthy and sustained" for several kilometres around Devonport and committed after officers saw him driving when he was disqualified.
The judge said Charles' most serious driving offences occurred after he had crossed the Victoria Bridge and travelled toward East Devonport.
"[You drove] over a traffic island in order to get around stationary traffic, travelling at speed along a busy road in a built up area and, on two occasions, travelling through roadworks on the incorrect side of the road in order to avoid vehicles which were stationary because of the roadworks," Justice Brett said.
Your manner of driving showed a callous disregard for the safety of other road users.
- Justice Michael Brett
"This was extremely dangerous because on one occasion vehicles coming the other way were forced to stop to avoid collision and on the second occasion, you were travelling on an unsealed section of road and in excess of the marked speed limits.
"There were at least five construction workers working in the area at the time."
Tasmania Police attempted to deflate the tyres of Charles' car twice and were successful the second time.
"However, it was not enough to cause you to stop immediately.
"You continued to drive along the highway for a short distance until your car came to a halt, undoubtedly because of the effect of the tyre deflation.
"You then tried to flee on foot but after a short chase surrendered to police.
"Your manner of driving showed a callous disregard for the safety of other road users, the police who were involved in this and, of course, yourself and your passenger."
The judge said Charles had a "lengthy and concerning criminal history" starting when he was just 14-years-old, and had endured "significant disadvantage and instability" in his childhood.
He also had a significant drug addiction from his teenage years that the judge said was "a matter of concern" but did not excuse his crimes.
Justice Brett jailed Charles for 21 months for the dangerous driving crimes and activated an 18-week suspended jail term.
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
