A Launceston man who drove dangerously through suburban streets while police pursued him has avoided jail, instead receiving nine months home detention.
Jackson Tyler Creeley, 21, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and several related charges over the March 2023 incident, during which he hit speeds of 100km/h in 50km/h zones and reversed into a police car.
The Supreme Court heard Creeley was first spotted at 4:30am driving a stolen four-wheel-drive along Normanstone Road in South Launceston, travelling at 80km/h in a 50km/h zone.
When police tried to pull him over, he ran a red light and continued through residential streets in Newstead for around 10 minutes.
Justice Robert Pearce said Creeley used a rear-facing spotlight to “dazzle” officers during the pursuit and even drove directly at police in a threatening manner before slamming on his brakes.
“You had plenty of chances to stop but you put your self-interest ahead of the safety of the public and the police,” he said.
The incident ended when Creeley reversed the stolen vehicle over the edge of Wentworth Street, causing it to roll onto its side.
Police found a taser inside the car. Creeley had been driving on a suspended learner licence and the vehicle displayed stolen registration plates.
At the time, he was already on bail for other offences and was wanted on an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court.
Justice Pearce, however, acknowledged Creeley’s recent efforts to turn his life around, including securing stable employment with a ceramics firm.
“Since then your circumstances have improved,” he said.
“You have removed yourself from criminal associates, found stable accommodation, reconnected with your family and commenced employment.”
The court heard Creeley’s employer was prepared to offer him a formal apprenticeship depending on the outcome of his sentencing.
Justice Pearce said he believed “the community would benefit if the corrupting influence of prison can be avoided in your case”.
Creeley was also disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay compensation for the damaged vehicles.
He must wear an electronic monitoring device and report to Community Corrections by November 24.
