Drug driver ‘frightened’ by his actions

A CYGNET man who drove his car at a police officer and drove dangerously through Hobart’s northern suburbs in March was significantly frightened by his own behaviour and is trying to beat his drug addiction, a court has heard.

Benjamin James Anderson Victor, 30, pleaded guilty to assault and dangerous driving, and related charges of a less serious nature.

The Supreme Court in Hobart yesterday heard Victor was affected by the drug ice when he was randomly intercepted by police at Berriedale on March 19 about 5.45pm.

His lawyer, Philippa Morgan, said Victor knew he was affected by drugs, panicked and was reckless in trying to avoid police.

“He was extremely remorseful for his actions … his conduct frightened him significantly,” Mrs Morgan said.

“It’s clear that it was impulsive, it was certainly not preplanned. He wished no ill or malice towards the police … it was simply reckless,” she said.

Mrs Morgan said Victor had taken steps to address his drug addiction since committing the crimes.

She said he had abstained from drugs for some weeks but was finding it difficult to manage the cravings he experiences and was “very keen” to engage with support services.

Mrs Morgan said Victor’s drug habit went from something he had control over to something he had much less control over after he suffered a permanent injury to his arm and found a subsequent workers’ compensation claim process “demoralising”.

The court heard Victor, when interviewed by police, said he had no idea he had hit a police officer and he “doesn’t remember anything” when he uses ice.

“He said he didn’t stop his vehicle because he was on another planet and it wasn’t him,” Crown prosecutor Anna Norton said.

Ms Norton said Victor’s “erratic driving” over about 6km required evasive action by members of the public.

Chief Justice Alan Blow has ordered Victor be assessed to be placed into the court-mandated drug diversion program, a process that takes about six weeks.

Chief Justice Blow remanded Victor in custody for sentence on August 19.

He was extremely remorseful for his actions … His conduct frightened him significantly