Disqualified driver jailed and banned for 18 months after police pursuit

A 33-year-old Whangarei man was jailed for four months and banned from driving for a year and a half after he led police on a pursuit through residential streets.

A 33-year-old Whangarei man described as a "menace on the roads" has been jailed for four months and banned from driving for a year and a half after he led police on a pursuit through residential streets.

Shane Legg pleaded guilty to three driving charges when he appeared in Whangarei District Court for sentencing on Monday.

Currently in custody and appearing via an in-court video link, Legg was sentenced by Judge Greg Davis on charges of driving while disqualified - third or subsequent, dangerous driving, and failing to stop for police on September 3.

"You are no stranger to the court," said Judge Davis.

"You have six previous convictions for dangerous driving, careless driving and sustained loss of traction.

"There are four previous for driving while disqualified and five previous for excess breath alcohol."

Before dishing out jail time Judge Davis commented on Legg's errant driving behaviour.

"Quite simply put you are a menace on the road. You led police on a merry chase and placed members of the public's lives in danger.

"This deserves a term of imprisonment. You are not getting the message that when you get behind the wheel you are a threat to the safety of everyone in this court."

The court heard that about 8.45am Legg was driving on Abbey Caves Rd and failed to stop at a compulsory stop with the intersection of Whareora Rd.

An officer in an unmarked patrol car saw the indiscretion and signalled for Legg to pull over.

However, he continued reaching speeds of up to 100km/h in a 50km/h zone, cutting corners and driving in the incorrect lane before failing to stop at the intersection with Mill Rd.

Legg went through the second compulsory stop sign on a corner with limited visibility.

He continued through residential streets before coming to roadworks on Princess St where he drove through the road cones.

Police temporarily lost Legg's vehicle but members of the public pointed searching officers in the direction of Paranui Cres, off Tikipunga Hill, where he was found and arrested.

Judge Davis said the offending was not expected from someone aged 33 and it was time Legg acted like an adult and started to drive in a responsible manner.

He jailed Legg for four months and disqualified him from driving for 18 months to start on April 24 next year when a current disqualification period ends.

In a parting shot, Judge Davis told Legg:

"If you come back again [for] driving while you are not meant to, you will go to jail for a very, very long time."