A young unlicensed driver who evaded police at speeds of up to 170km/h near Bonshaw has been warned to stay off the road.
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Joshua Hope pleaded guilty at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Thursday to driving offences stemming from the November 7 incident.
The court was told police followed Hope’s white Ford Falcon along the Sebastopol-Smythesdale Road at 6.50pm.
He then accelerated into Ross Creek Road where police clocked him travelling 151km/h in a 100km/h zone.
The pursuit ended for safety reasons.
Police said Hope’s alleged speed was 170km/h in a 100km/h zone.
The court was told police interviewed Hope at the Smythesdale Police Station where he told them he was a disqualified driver and he was driving the car because he was selling it.
He told police he was speeding because he did not want to get caught.
Defence lawyer Tim Tyler urged the court to defer sentence so Hope could complete a youth order.
“Crucially, what is happening now is he is complying with a youth attendance order,” Mr Tyler said.
“My submission is that sentence is deferred so Mr Hope can finish a youth order.”
Magistrate Peter Reardon said Hope’s offending put the public safety at risk.
“These are public safety offences. It’s little comfort for people on the roads if someone is killed,” Mr Reardon said.
“It’s only a matter of time before he kills someone. He will be in the County Court and he will get 10 years. Also the fact that he ignores court orders.
“In the end these are public safety offences and public safety is paramount.”
Mr Reardon deferred sentencing Hope until June 6, telling him to stay away from motor vehicles.