Fleeing speeder struck after kicking officer

A man who evaded police twice after he was caught speeding and travelled at speeds of up to 118kmh was struck by a police officer after he kicked the officer in the chest.

Kylos Dennis David Brett (20), contractor, of Greenpoint, yesterday appeared before Judge John Brandts-Giesen for sentence for failing to stop, exceeding the speed limit, refusing a breath or blood test, assaulting a police officer and dangerous driving, in Invercargill on May 28.

Judge Brandts-Giesen said Brett was travelling at 60kmh towards an oncoming vehicle when he was stopped by police.

He initially failed a roadside breath test and when asked to undergo an evidential breath test he accelerated away in the car.

It was when Brett reached speeds of up to 118kmh while driving along North Road that police deactivated their blue and red flashing lights while he continued at speed.

He was located some time later in Dacre and police, trying to stop him from fleeing again, parked in front of his car.

Brett then drove away again, heading east on State Highway 1.

He continued to cross the centre lane on occasion and was eventually stopped and apprehended after police deployed a tyre-deflation device, Judge Brandts-Giesen said.

While being taken to a police car, Brett kicked an officer in the chest.

"The constable, quite within his rights, struck you so you would stop kicking out," the judge said.

Brett then refused an evidential breath or blood test.

Judge Brandts-Giesen said Brett had prior convictions for dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and drink-driving.

He sentenced Brett to four months’ community detention and 12 months’ supervision, imposed $800 in fines and $260 court costs and disqualified him from driving for 11 months.

Brett really needed to take stock, the judge said.

"You are 20 and if you want to end up being a regular tenant at prison then you’re going the right way about it

... I am quite sure there is a good side of you but on this occasion it certainly wasn’t very clear."

karen.pasco@odt.co.nz

 

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