Jailed for spin in Audi
Reckless driver tore through suburb in stolen car
A RECKLESS joy-rider who tore through one of Toowoomba’s poshest suburbs at twice the speed limit while high on ice has been jailed.
Jason John Cullen appeared in court via video from Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre, and pleaded guilty to seven serious offences, including dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
Police prosecutor Natalie Bugden told Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Tuesday that Cullen was seen entering the Grand Central Shopping Centre car park in a stolen Audi A4 sedan about noon on September 22.
A Polair chopper then tracked Cullen as he drove at high speeds along Ramsay Street through Middle Ridge.
“(The car) has overtaken multiple vehicles at high speeds, approximately 120 km/ h in a 60 km/h zone and into the oncoming lane, forcing other drivers to swerve off the road to avoid a collision,” Sergeant Bugden said.
“He has overtaken another car on a roundabout by mounting the path where the defendant could have easily hit a pedestrian.”
The court was told police successfully deployed a spike trap after the 33-year-old entered a dead-end street.
Sergeant Bugden said Cullen fled on foot, leaving his female passenger in the car.
“He has jumped several barbed-wire fences,” she said.
The dog squad brought Cullen to heel, and he told the arresting officer he fled because he was high on meth and didn’t want to be arrested.
The court was told Cullen had a long history of drug driving and his licence was suspended at the time.
Defence solicitor Brad Skuse said his client’s driving was unacceptable.
“Fortunately there was no further damage or injury, but that may be more about good fortune than good management,” he said.
Mr Skuse said his client’s partner had lined up a hotel groundskeeper job for Cullen upon his release.
Acting magistrate Rowan Silva was scathing in his assessment of Cullen’s actions, but said it was accepted he had no knowledge police were after him.
“It appears (you were) simply high on methamphetamine and decided to drive in a reckless manner,” he said.
“You had a female passenger with you. You put her at risk, you put yourself at risk and put other members of the public at risk. They were forced to swerve off the road to make way for your speeding vehicle.
“If they didn’t swerve there could have been a serious accident.”
Mr Silva noted 55 days of pre-sentence custody.
Cullen was sentenced to 12 months jail, with a parole release date set for January 20, 2023, and fined $1100. He was also banned from driving for 17 months.