A 26-year-old man has been sentenced to nine months in jail with a non-parole period of two following what a magistrate described as an extremely dangerous police chase.
Jacob Grainger appeared in Broken Hill local court via video link on Tuesday, February 11, charged over a police pursuit where he refused to stop and drove over the speed limit.
The chase happened at 9pm on Saturday, February 8, following an attempt by police to pull him over.
Grainger was driving up to double the 50km/h speed limit, with a passenger in the car, during the 4.5-kilometre-long chase.
The pursuit only ended after the car spun out on a dirt road, which is when Grainger was arrested.
As Granger was already under two community correction orders, a New South Wales Police Prosecutor said should not be sentenced to another and be jailed.
Other reasons included a lengthy criminal record at a young age, and a history of property offences, matters of violence, and domestic violence.
In court, Grainger interrupted proceedings to express how sorry he was for his actions, which was met with doubt from Magistrate Jaqueline Trad.
“I’m sure you’ve said that many times in court before,” Magistrate Trad said.
“Your record is lengthy for your age.”
Ms Trad said the police chase was an extremely dangerous matter, and if Grainger had stopped when initially signalled by police, the result would have been much less severe.
She also said the sentence would make an example out of Granger, act as a deterrent for the wider community, and encourage people to stop running from police since it is not only dangerous but escalates the situation.
Ms Trad delivered a nine month custodial sentence with two month non-parole period and Granger was also disqualified from holding a motor vehicle licence for two years.
The Magistrate listed special circumstances in deciding the sentence including it being Grainger’s first time in custody and the possibility of rehabilitation as reasons for the two month non-parole period.
As she explained the choice, Mr Grainger teared up with his head in his hands.
“I can’t go to jail mam,” he said.
Two previously set community correction orders were also extended, one of which was imposed due to four counts of goods suspected stolen in/on premises, one of which is a car, the other three not a motor vehicle.
Magistrate Jaqueline Trad said this order would have an extra six-months and supervision added.
The order coincides with another related to a larceny under $2000 charge, which Grainger had pleaded guilty to.
