‘Unusual if not chilling’ vendetta

A MAN with a vendetta against a police officer, an illegal radio and a longstanding opposition to authority caused havoc in Mosgiel, a court has heard.

Scott James Wreford Kelly (37) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday after admitting perverting the course of justice; driving dangerously and while suspended; breaching release conditions; and two rare charges under the Radiocommunications Act.

Kelly’s ‘‘unusual if not chilling’’ behaviour began in September last year when he was pulled over by a Dunedin constable.

The defendant quoted the officer’s Facebook and Instagram account names and threatened to find his address through the electoral role.

In a parting shot, Kelly said he would not stop for police again.

A month later he was suspended from driving for three months for excess demerit points.

When another constable went to serve him with the paperwork, Kelly simply said he would not cease driving, only that he would not stop for police for three months.

In December, police operations were jammed by someone frequently commenting over their radio channel.

The constable, about whom Kelly had personal knowledge, recognised the voice.

The defendant continued to make derogatory comments about police dog units and later said he was getting close to the officer’s home.

At 10.20 that evening, the victim heard someone speed past his house, so he set off in pursuit.

During that drive, he pulled over another motorist.

Kelly continued to goad him over the radio.

‘‘Come and get me . . . Those are my brake lights flashing — come and get me,’’ he said.

“Pop pop ***,” he added — a reference to shooting.

As the constable drove along Factory Rd, he was confronted by

Kelly’s Audi heading straight at him on the wrong side of the road.

The defendant only veered away to avoid a collision at the final moment, the court heard.

A chase started but Kelly’s erratic driving, reaching estimated speeds of 200kmh, meant it was shortlived.

‘‘Driving past your house, ***,’’ he later informed the officer.

Judge Michael Crosbie said the offending was unlike anything he had come across before.

‘‘Your opposition and defiance towards authority has now, I think, reached a disturbing position,’’ he said.

It was partly explained, he said, by Kelly’s upbringing, which he accepted had been traumatic.

In a letter to the court, the defendant said he now viewed the constable concerned as ‘‘a man of honesty and integrity’’ and wanted to apologise.

Kelly was jailed for 16 months and banned from driving for two and ahalf years.