Sentencing following a jury verdict finding the accused guilty of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm, failing to stop for police causing bodily harm, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer after a prolonged police pursuit.
The offender fled police, drove at high speeds, evaded a spike belt, struck police vehicles during a rolling block, and caused bodily harm to an officer by running over the officer’s foot.
The court considered aggravating factors including the danger posed to officers and the public, the prolonged pursuit, and the resulting injury.
Mitigating factors included the absence of specific intent to injure, limited criminal record, psychiatric evidence of a delusional disorder possibly exacerbated by cannabis use, and compliance with strict bail conditions for several years.
The court held that the offences constituted a serious personal injury offence making a conditional sentence unavailable and imposed a custodial sentence.
