An attack on a constable following a high-speed pursuit through North Dunedin had a major impact on him.
"He thought he was going to be knocked down. Although back-up was on its way, he had to survive till it arrived," Judge Kevin Phillips said in the Dunedin District Court yesterday, sentencing Ayden Watt (19), unemployed, of Dunedin, to two years and three months' jail.
He struck the officer several times with his helmet and punched him in the head.
Watt had been convicted of possessing cannabis for supply, aggravated assault, dangerous and disqualified driving, and failing to stop for police, on July 9.
On the driving charges, he was also disqualified for 12 months.
The police summary said Watt was riding a motorcycle in Great King St when police signalled him to stop, about 9.50pm. Watt rode into the cycle lane and accelerated along North Rd.
Turning into Northumberland St, he rode around the block before arriving back on North Rd where he reached 100kmh, twice the legal speed limit.
He rode into Duke St, travelling the wrong way, before turning right into Castle St North and going through a stop sign at the Dundas St intersection, about 40kmh. Losing control and crashing in Castle St, he fled on foot and was pursued by police.
When the officer caught up with him, Watt took off his helmet and swung it at the officer's head. The officer was struck several times on his arm as he tried to shield himself.
Watt lost hold of his helmet, but "continued raining punches" on the officer, striking him seven or eight times on the side of his head.
Watt tried to trip the officer, causing him to stumble, then ran to the helmet and grabbed it again, swinging it in front of him when the officer approached.
When detained, Watt had in his backpack 69 small (1g) bags of cannabis and eight (3g-4g) bags of cannabis.
Public defender Andrew Dawson said the cannabis was worth almost $1800. Watt admitted he was going to sell it because of difficult times. It seemed to be a one-off situation.
Concerning the driving, Mr Dawson said Watt knew what was in his backpack and was riding a friend's motorbike. He did not want his friend's bike impounded so made a rash and stupid "flight or fight" decision. After crashing, he panicked and got into a bit of a rage. He was glad the officer was not seriously injured.
Judge Phillips said the officer sustained bruising and grazing, was on sick leave for four days and had to go to a psychotherapist.
The judge also noted Watt said he was under the influence of MDMA at the time and seemed to admit substance abuse was a problem.
From an overall starting point of three years and six months' jail, the judge allowed an 11-month discount for Watt pleading guilty and a further four months for his young age, reaching an end sentence of two years and three months.
That term was imposed on the charge of possessing cannabis for supply. Concurrent terms were given on the other charges as follow -- aggravated assault, nine months; dangerous driving and failing to stop, three months; disqualified driving, two months; and breaching community work in failing to report to probation between July 15 and 22, two months.
The 12-month driving disqualification comprises nine months for dangerous driving, three months (cumulative) for failing to stop, and six months (concurrent) for disqualified driving.
Watt's unpaid fines ($4350) were remitted, and his remaining community work cancelled.
