Jason Douglas Menzies faces court after police pursuit in stolen food delivery vehicle

A man caught in a stolen delivery car claimed he was kidnapped as he faced court charged with driving dangerously to escape police pursuit in Mount Gambier.

A white Suzuki Baleno was stolen while the driver was out of the car was making a food delivery in Ingleby Street in Mount Gambier and was later involved in a police pursuit. Picture: SA Police

A Mount Gambier man has faced charged with aggravated dangerous driving to escape police pursuit in a stolen delivery vehicle.

Jason Douglas Menzies, 31, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Monday via video link from custody.

Menzies told the court he had been kidnapped in relation to the incident, but did not elaborate futher.

The police prosecutor told the court it was not known who had stolen the vehicle just after 5.30pm on Sunday, November 29 while the driver was out of the car was making a food delivery in Ingleby Street in Mount Gambier.

Jason Douglas Menzies appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Monday. Picture: Tait Schmaal

After multiple reports of a vehicle matching the stolen Suzuki without its number plates travelling dangerously in and around the city on Monday, November 30, Menzies was allegedly stopped by an off duty police officer.

The court heard accused was known to police and had a conversation with the officer before fleeing in the vehicle leading to a police pursuit.

Cordons were set up in the Yahl area but police were unable to arrest Menzies until Friday, December 4.

The police prosecutor opposed bail saying he was a danger to the community

Magistrate Maria Panagiotidis told Menzies he must seek legal advice and ordered a bail inquiry report.

“You have to take a little bit more interest in your own affairs,” she said.

Menzies will reappear later this month.