A Glenavy man who led police on a high speed chase and narrowly avoided a head on collision while passing a school bus in the face of oncoming traffic has been jailed.
Tony Allister Cameron (53), unemployed, of Glenavy, appeared before Judge Joanna Maze in the Oamaru District Court yesterday on charges of reckless driving and failing to stop for police, on March 19.
Prosecutor Sergeant Chris George told the court police observed Cameron speeding on State Highway 1, near Pukeuri, about 3.50pm on March 19. The patrol activated red and blue lights, attempting to catch him.
Cameron turned into Works Rd, heading for the Alliance Pukeuri Freezing Works, where he stopped in the car park.
Realising the patrol vehicle was behind him, he accelerated away, cutting corners on Works Rd and headed back towards State Highway 1, being followed by the police.
He stopped at the intersection of State Highway 1 for traffic and when there was a gap, he accelerated on to State Highway 83 and began heading west with the police patrol in pursuit.
Travelling at more than 100kmh and at times crossing the centre line while cornering, Cameron was then held up by a line of three camper vans and oncoming traffic.
He accelerated past the camper vans - all three in one manoeuvre - when there was little visibility ahead. Cameron continued to accelerate heavily, reaching speeds of more than 170kmh.
Police deemed the pursuit too dangerous to continue and pulled over.
Cameron continued at speeds of about 170kmh and soon after passed a school bus in the face of oncoming traffic.
The driver of the school bus, which had about 25 children on board, was forced to brake to enable Cameron to pass and avoid a head on crash.
Cameron, who was located by police a week later, was charged with reckless driving and failing to stop for police. In explanation, he said he thought he was going to lose his licence for speeding.
''When he didn't recognise the police officer, thought he would `have a go','' Sgt George said.
Cameron acknowledged the driving was dangerous and the manoeuvre, especially in relation to passing the school bus, was ''stupid''.
Judge Maze said she was most concerned about Cameron's actions around the school bus, with 25 children on board. Cameron had an ''extended history'' of similar offending.
For reckless driving, he was sentenced to two months' imprisonment and on both charges was disqualified for 12 months (cumulative).
