A Nowra man who thought he was "good driver" because he managed to evade police with erratic driving during a chase in February has been jailed for three months.
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Joshua Paul Flood, 24, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving recklessly during a police pursuit.
Court papers said Flood, who was already a disqualified driver banned from being behind the wheel until March 2025, was spotted by police at the roundabout at the intersection of Berry Street and Albatross Road driving a Hyundai Electra around 3.25pm on February 6.
Police recognised Flood behind the wheel, and knowing he was a disqualified driver turned to pursue him.
The court heard the vehicle accelerated away while travelling south on Albatross Road.
Police say the vehicle was traveling faster than the signposted 60km/h and crossed to the wrong side of the road, over double unbroken lines, in overtaking another vehicle.
The court heard despite police lights and sirens being activated the vehicle failed to stop and again crossed to the incorrect side of the roadway for around 200m in the 80km/zone while overtaking three other southbound vehicles.
Police said the vehicle had to take evasive action and travelled onto the dirt verge to avoid a collision with an oncoming truck.
Police terminated the pursuit due to the manner of driving.
The court heard Flood had an extensive record, had never held a licence and was disqualified from driving until March 2025.
He had also been listed as a habitual traffic offender in December 2016.
Magistrate Gabriel Fleming took into account Flood suffering a brain injury and also his long history of substance abuse but was horrified by his driving.
'"You were driving in a reckless and dangerous manner," she said.
"At the time you were disqualified and did not stop when directed to by police.
"These are very serious charges. I have read the report where you said you were a 'good driver and you drove in an erratic behaviour to ensure police terminated the pursuit'.
"You were already disqualified until 2025.
"You put the community, yourself and the police at risk.
"There is no alternative to full-time imprisonment."
Magistrate Fleming took into account the fact Flood was awaiting a bed to undergo rehab and had already spent two and a half months behind bars before being released on bail.
She sentenced him to three-months' jail, meaning he can be released on November 2, but would remain on parole for another nine months.
Read more: Crime/Court
