DRIVER TO FACE MENTAL HEALTH CHECK

A MAN accused of driving on tram tracks and leading police on a chase from Southport to Mermaid Beach and back will undergo a mental health assessment.

Cameron Scott Noad, 31, did not appear in Southport Magistrates Court yesterday where he faces 11 charges, including two of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and three counts of evading police.

Noad’s solicitor Michael Gatenby, of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, did not apply for bail on Noad’s behalf.

But he did appeal to Magistrate John Costanzo to order Noad undergo a mental health assessment.

“I have acted (for Mr Noad) for some time and he is the worst I have seen him,” Mr Gatenby said.

Mr Costanzo ordered the health assessment, which means Noad will be transferred to the Gold Coast Hospital Mental Health Unit.

It is alleged Noad’s spree started just after midnight on Wednesday when security at the Gold Coast University Hospital saw him shouting and honking the horn of a silver Nissan Navara in the car park.

The silver Navara was not seen again until about 2.50pm in Ferry Rd, Southport.

It is alleged Noad was driving dangerously, refused to stop and cut off a tram when he drove through a red light in Nerang St.

He is also accused of mounting a footpath to avoid stopping, speeding through roadworks and ignoring a red light.

Just after 9pm police, for safety reasons, used “tactical” actions to stop the car. It is alleged two police cars were damaged.

Noad’s matter was adjourned to August 30.