Man’s driving frightened public – judge

Several dangerous driving offences committed over a 10-month period have earned an Oamaru man eight months’ home detention and 30 months’ disqualification from driving.

Jayden Milliken, 26, was told by Judge Dominic Dravitzki during his sentencing on Tuesday in the Timaru District Court that his actions had frightened members of the public.

Events Milliken had pleaded guilty to include:

■ On October 9, 2020, a dangerous driving charge was laid after he crashed into a power pole. A charge of obstructing the course of justice was also laid as he attempted to get someone else to take the blame for the driving.

■ On January 1, 2021, Milliken twice drove through red lights and over a traffic island in Oamaru.

■ Later that day he was charged with reckless disregard after he drove the car into a paddock which led to him being charged with unlawfully entering a closed yard.

■ On January 12, 2021, a further charge of dangerous driving arose after he drove through a red light and cut a corner.

■ On August 29, 2021, he was charged with failing to stop for red and blue flashing lights, and a further charge of dangerous driving.

‘‘Police activated their flashing lights, you accelerated away at speed, driving through various streets of Oamaru, many members of the public were frightened,’’ Judge Dravitzki told Milliken.

‘‘You reached speeds well over 100kmh in a 50kmh area.

‘‘You abandoned the vehicle. You said you drove to buy some essentials, and you didn’t realise the police were behind you.

‘‘A police patrol person recognised you as an unlicensed driver.’’

In sentencing Milliken, Judge Dravitzki noted that in recent months, Milliken had ‘‘repaired relationships’’ and was in employment.

‘‘The other relevant material is the cultural report.

‘‘It refers to your very difficult upbringing and your exposure to drugs and alcohol.

‘‘When you have had a very difficult young life and a history of deprivation, it can be a difficult task to make improvements in your life.

‘‘I accept there does appear to be genuine positive change.’’

Judge Dravitzki ordered Milliken to pay $9000 in reparations to Network Waitaki for damaging the power pole, $300 for entering the closed yard, and $500 in emotional harm reparations to the owner of the property. These reparations were to be paid off at $50 per week.

He sentenced Milliken to eight months’ home detention, while he was disqualified from driving for 30 months.