Steven Thomas Bell jailed for driving dangerously on two occasions

A drug addict drove 50km/hr over the speed limit, through red lights and on the wrong side of the road and gave police a bizarre excuse when they caught up to him.

A father who drove at high speeds and on the wrong side of the road had an interesting excuse once police finally caught up to him.

A magistrate said it was a miracle Steven Thomas Bell, 31, did not injure or kill anyone with his reckless driving.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday heard police observed Bell driving a motorbike in the Seaford McDonald’s car park without any number plates on December 31, 2020.

“You accelerated to speeds of up to 100km/hr … you were travelling against traffic on the wrong side of the road,” Magistrate Chris Smolicz said during sentencing.

The court heard Bell was driving at such high speeds he was unable to be pursued.

Bell was observed by a police helicopter driving dangerously and with false number plates in the western suburbs on February 11, 2021

“You were driving on main roads in the middle of the day you caused other drivers to take evasive action to avoid collision,” Mr Smolicz said.

Bell drove through red lights and was travelling at speeds of 113km/hr in a 60km zone.

“You admitted driving at speed to get to your girlfriend’s house because you thought there was a stalker present,” Mr Smolicz said.

Steven Bell was jailed for dangerous driving. Picture: Facebook

Bell, of Macclesfield, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including driving dangerously and without number plates.

The court heard Bell had also returned positive drug tests.

Kate Budzynski, for Bell, told the court he was the carer for his father who has terminal cancer.

“Mr Bell being in custody is having a significant impact on him because he’s not been able to spend the last few weeks, months … with his father,” she said.

The court heard Bell had struggled with a drug addiction for a number of years.

“Mr Bell is going to be proactive once released from custody and seek assistance for his drug addiction,” Ms Budzynski said.

Bell, who is a father, is also facing three counts of drug trafficking after police allege they found 80g of methamphetamine.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will face trial in the Adelaide District Court in June.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Mr Smolicz said there was no excuse for Bell’s offending.

“The possibility of losing control of the bike was very real, you put many peoples lives at risk,” he said.

“It’s a miracle that your actions did not result in injury, loss of life or property damage.”

Mr Smolicz sentenced Bell to three months jail.

He ordered Bell serve one month, with the rest suspended on an 18-month, $500 good behaviour bond, with supervision.

Bell was also disqualified from driving for one year.

“Mr Bell, it’s up to you how you choose to conduct your life from that point forward,” Mr Smolicz said.