Shane Anthony White in Southport court after alleged car crash spree

A Gold Coast man who was allegedly involved in four separate crashes before driving down the wrong side of the M1 can expect new charges to be laid, a court has been told. Read the latest

More charges are expected to be laid against a Gold Coast man who was allegedly involved in four separate crashes before driving down the wrong side of the M1.

Police allege that from about 10pm on Monday, Shane Anthony White collided with vehicles in Varsity Lakes, Burleigh and Palm Beach before driving through a fence in the southernmost suburb.

The 47-year-old then allegedly drove onto the M1, heading southbound in northbound lanes.

Police say he finally came to a halt near the Palm Beach interchange, where he was arrested.

Mr White was held in custody on charges of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and wilful damage.

He appeared in the dock in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday to apply for bail.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paige Barrow said she was unsure why the Palm Beach man had not been charged with driving under the influence of liquor or a drug, though it was likely further charges would soon be laid.

Sergeant Barrow said the alleged offending posed a significant risk to the public and that it was “extremely fortunate” no one was hurt, voicing concerns about Mr White having access to cars if released on bail.

“He clearly has an issue with methylamphetamines and if this is what he does when he uses (it), there’s nothing to suggest that he’s not going to continue drug use,” Sergeant Barrow said.

Defence lawyer Sunil Dutt told the court Mr White would be unable to properly address the mental health and drug issues that had contributed to any alleged offending if held in custody.

Mr Dutt said his client had been working as a truck driver but had another job in warehousing already lined up, and wanted to avoid driving if released for his own safety and rehabilitation efforts.

Magistrate Pamela Dowse described the alleged offending as “horrible”, saying she was unsure what bail conditions could prevent it happening again and that she would rather release Mr White into a rehab facility.

Mr White’s bail application was ultimately withdrawn, with Ms Dowse saying it was “premature” and that he could reapply once he had “dried out”.

His case was adjourned to September 5.

Follow @keithjwoods

Originally published as Shane Anthony White in Southport court after alleged car crash spree