Shannon John Coreless, 33, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to 15 different charges, including four counts of reckless conduct endangering serious injury and two of dangerous driving while under police pursuit. 

The court heard that in one instance Coreless accelerated toward police in his car while they attempted to arrest him at Zofia Place in Alfredton on December 6 last year. 

Coreless then sped off in the direction of Learmonth Street, with police following closely behind him.

Police ended the pursuit at Arthur Street after they damaged their vehicle while avoiding another car. 

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Kilburn said police spotted Coreless’ car on Stawell Street in Ballarat East on December 11 last year.

Senior Constable Kilburn said police began their pursuit after Corless disobeyed a road work stop sign and travelled against the flow of one-way traffic. Coreless reached speeds of 100km/h in a 60km/h zone during the pursuit. 

Police ended the chase after Coreless began driving on the wrong side of the Western Freeway, causing cars to swerve out of his way. 

Coreless was later spotted entering the Welcome Stranger Caravan Park where he fled his vehicle. He was later found by a police dog and was arrested at the scene. 

Defence lawyer David Tamanika said his client had previously had problems with drugs, but not alcohol. 

“He formed a relationship for a short period of time and had a child ... who is under two years old,” Mr Tamanika said. 

He said Coreless was at a point in his life where he had to take control or risk being in and out of jail. 

“He certainly does not want to be that person for his child ... he wants to make the best of things,” he said. 

Magistrate Ian Von Einem said the sentence, of 18 months jail with a non-parole period of 12 months, was not as severe as other cases of the same nature. 

“I have not made this a crushing sentence. I have made one on the lower side,” he said. 

Police said Coreless has a number of prior convictions for dishonesty and driving offences and seven for failing to answer bail. 

Coreless will need to serve a minimum of 12 months before being eligible for parole. He has already served 107 days in custody.