WILD DRIVER LOCKED AWAY

ONE of Tasmania’s worst drivers is behind bars after a wild ride through a residential area ended when he crashed into a tree stump.

A REPEAT dangerous driver took Tasmania Police on a long pursuit which only ended when he drove into a tree stump, a court has heard.

Shannon Douglas Gee, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and evading police with aggravated circum- stances. The Supreme Court in Hobart heard Gee was a repeat offender, with 24 prior convictions for driving while disqualified, 14 convictions for unlicensed driving and seven convictions for evading police.

He also had been previously convicted more than once of dangerous driving. In the early hours of August 1 last year, less than two months after being released from prison for serious driving offences, the disqualified driver was spotted behind the wheel by police.

Gee drove off and police pursued him for about 10km through built-up residential areas and on a major highway where he was seen travelling at 160km/h in an 80km/h zone.

Justice Brett said the pur- suit ended when Gee’s car became lodged in a tree stump.

The court heard he had a passenger in the car, and Gee told police he had consumed cannabis and methamphetamine about three hours before driving.

“This was a serious case of dangerous driving,” Justice Brett said. “You drove at considerable speed and performed dangerous manoeuvres over a considerable distance. The danger is enhanced by the fact that much of the driving occurred in residential areas and on a major highway.

“The only thing that can be said in your favour is that you encountered little traffic during the course of the journey.

“However, your actions put pursuing police, other persons who may incidentally have been in the area and, of course, your passenger and yourself, at considerable risk.”

Gee was sentenced to 2½ years prison for the dangerous driving offence and a further 12 months for the evading police offence.

He may be eligible for parole after serving one year and nine months.