ALLEGED CAR-CHASE ESCAPEE FACES COURT
A MAN accused of allegedly escaping prison, stealing a Ford Ranger and reversing his car at a police officer amid a “dangerous” car chase has faced court over the charges.
Michael Douglas Westbrook, 35, appeared via video-link from prison at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday over one count on each
charge. The charges were escape, aggravated assault, evading police in aggravated circumstances, dangerous driving, motor vehicle stealing, destroying property and driving while not holding a drivers licence.
His appearance marked his second time fronting court over the charges.
Mr Westbrook was expected to plead, but he asked Magistrate Jackie Hartnett for an adjournment to seek
further legal advice. Ms Hartnett adjourned the matter to reappear via video-link on October 18.
According to court documents, all charges related to the alleged incident on September 16 where the minimum-security prisoner was claimed to have escaped Risdon Prison, stolen a vehicle and driven away from police.
Police alleged in the documents Mr
Westbrook had exceeded 110km/h in a 70km/h zone, had driven on the incorrect side of the East Derwent Highway, travelled through a 40km/h roadworks zone at 70km/h, swerved on to the wrong side of the road several times, drove towards oncoming highway traffic, which forced motorists to take evasive action, and overtook vehicles at a high speed.