UPDATED May 20:
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A distinguished Ballarat firefighter was "on the cusp" of killing someone when he drunkenly escaped police by driving on the wrong side of Lydiard Street, a court has heard.
Matthew Blackwell, 35, pleaded guilty in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on May 14, 2024, to one charge of dangerous driving while pursued by police in relation to the incident.
According to a police summary, Blackwell was seen checking people's identification cards while pretending to be a security guard in front of a venue on September 3, 2023.
During this time, he was described as wearing dark clothing and smelling of alcohol, and was seen by police getting into a Toyota sedan after leaving the pub.
Blackwell was then followed by officers while driving north on Lydiard Street, but when they activated their lights and sirens, the 35-year-old accelerated and crossed onto the wrong side of the road.
The pursuit was abandoned for fear of endangering the public, but Blackwell continued driving on the wrong side of the road until he reached Seymour Street, where he was forced to swerve onto the correct side to avoid another car.
About 5.45am the following morning, police found the Toyota on Creswick Road, which was significantly damaged and filled with a large amount of empty alcohol cans.
On December 19, when Blackwell was questioned by police at his home, he said he couldn't remember the night in question as it was several months ago.
He also said the car belonged to his mother, but he had access to it at the time of the incident.
Accused's behaviour was 'inexplicable'
Blackwell's lawyer said on the night of the incident their client didn't notice the police lights and sirens behind him, but that he admitted to drink driving that day.
But, they said any damage to the vehicle happened before the day of the incident, and their client had no previous criminal history.
They also said the 35-year-old was currently unemployed and living with his parents in Creswick, but had previously worked as a draftsman and bricklayer, and had been a member of the Country Fire Authority since 1999.
During his time in the CFA, Blackwell had fought several significant blazes, including Black Saturday bushfires, and had received a National Emergency Medal for his service.
The lawyer also said Blackwell suffered from several health conditions including ADHD, anxiety and diabetes.
At a sentencing hearing on Monday, Magistrate Guillaume Bailin said Blackwell's previous good character had worked in his favour.
"You are otherwise someone who has been a leader in the community, particularly in your firefighting responsibilities," the magistrate said.
"On this occasion you have made an appalling decision."
Magistrate Bailin said the offending was "serious", and that Blackwell was lucky to have avoided any prison time.
"Had you any serious driving priors you would be looking at a term of imprisonment for this matter," the magistrate said.
"This is not an extensive pursuit across the freeway with multiple attempts by police to intercept you, but this is a pursuit."
Blackwell was sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order with conviction.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community work while on the order.
Magistrate Bailin said if Blackwell had pleaded not guilty, and was later found guilty at trial, he would have been given a 10-month prison sentence.
