A MOUNT Gambier man involved in a dangerous police pursuit will serve five months imprisonment before being released on a partially suspended sentence bond.
Zac Thorp-Millard, 24, appeared via video-link in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court to be sentenced for being involved in a dangerous police pursuit and driving disqualified.
The prosecution said the incident occurred on July 26 when police noticed the defendant driving a vehicle in the east end of Mount Gambier.
Officers performed a u-turn in an attempt to follow the car, however it immediately sped off.
Police engaged in a high-speed chase as Thorp-Millard travelled through Yahl and the outskirts of the city at high speed.
Officers terminated the chase after recognising they had no chance of catching the defendant.
Thorp-Millard was arrested for the offending on August 29 and has remained in custody since.
The defendant’s lawyer said his client “panicked” when he saw the police car and sped off.
“He does concede it was the wrong thing to do and is remorseful for his actions,” his lawyer said.
He also highlighted the defendant’s personal circumstances and issues surrounding drugs.
“He does not shy away from his issues surrounding amphetamines,” the defendant’s lawyer said.
Magistrate Teresa Anderson said Thorp-Millard had been surrounded by drug users his whole life.
“His family has a history of substance-abuse across a number of generations,” Magistrate Anderson said.
“His best chance of becoming drug-free is to get contacts who are not drug users.”
Magistrate Anderson sentenced Thorp-Millard to eight months and two weeks imprisonment.
However, Thorp-Millard will only be required to serve five months with the balance suspended on him entering a $500, three-year good behaviour bond.
He will be supervised for 18 months of the bond.
The sentence was backdated to start on August 29.
Thorp-Millard was also disqualified from driving for three years to start when he is released.
