A Hobart mum who led police on a dangerous high-speed chase south of the city has been given 18 months to turn her life around instead of going straight to prison.
Jody Carmichael, 45, was found guilty of dangerous driving after fleeing from police along Algona Road and up the Southern Outlet in December 2023.
She hit speeds of up to 130km/h in a 90km/h zone and repeatedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road, forcing other drivers to take evasive action.
The Supreme Court heard Carmichael even mounted a footpath to get around stationary traffic before continuing through residential areas at 70km/h in a 50 zone, eventually abandoning the car at Mount Nelson.
Justice Michael Brett on October 7 deferred sentencing for 18 months, telling Carmichael the choice was now in her hands.
“If you are serious about rehabilitation, you will obey the law without exception,” he said.
The court was told Carmichael, who has two adult children, has long struggled with alcohol and drug addiction.
She was homeless at the time of the offence and had recently been the victim of an armed robbery.
Carmichael has an extensive criminal history, particularly for driving while disqualified and was already serving a suspended sentence when she committed the offence.
Justice Brett warned he would take a “no-tolerance approach” to any breaches.
If Carmichael commits another offence or uses illicit drugs during the deferral period, she can expect to be sentenced immediately.
“On the other hand, if there is a reason for optimism in relation to your rehabilitation at the end of the deferral period then while I will still be imposing a sentence, it is likely to involve a non-custodial option,” he said.
Carmichael must appear for regular court reviews and is banned from driving during the bail period.
The case will return to court for final sentencing on April 7, 2027.
