Driver in truck chase likely to be deported

A MAN faces deportation after leading police on an hour-long pursuit in a stolen truck during a drug-fuelled crime spree.

Gavin Mark Bourke, 37, who migrated from New Zealand in 2002 but never sought citizenship, was spotted by police sleeping in a stolen truck at Holmview, on April 19 last year.

The Southport District Court yesterday was told Bourke had been using drugs for days when he was woken by police in a stolen truck.

A struggle ensued and Bourke “panicked”.

He was pepper-sprayed and drove off, in what started the hour-long chase with police along the M1 and Gold Coast Highway with a co-offender also in the truck.

Crown Prosecutor Jessica Guy said: “During that drive Mr Bourke drove the truck between lanes … without indicating, drove on the wrong side of the road, drove for a time without headlights, ran a red light and continued to drive despite damage to the front tyres.”

When Bourke was arrested, stolen items were found in the vehicle and he also tested positive to driving with ice in his system. His visa has since been revoked.

Bourke pleaded guilty yesterday to dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry of a vehicle for committing indictable offence at night, unlawful use of motor vehicles aircraft or vessels used/intended for indictable offence and other charges.

Bourke has been behind bars for 416 days.

His partner was in court to support him with their son, who was born while Bourke was in prison.

Judge Nicole Kefford handed Bourke a sentence of twoand-a-half years’ prison suspended after time already served. She took into account the “greater level of hardship” that would likely occur due to his visa being revoked.