Kyle Anthony Lahiff sentenced for dangerous driving, evade police

A teenager who caused a car accident on a quiet Gympie street when he tried to flee police was convicted of 17 offences in the Gympie court on Tuesday. Find out what happened here:

A teenage macadamia farm hand was reprimanded in court over a cowardly act, after he failed to stop for police and drove dangerously on a quiet Gympie street causing a crash.

Kyle Lahiff, 19, pleaded guilty and was convicted in Gympie Magistrates Court on Monday to 17 charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and evading police.

Lahiff was also charged with stealing fuel twice, driving unlicensed and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was supported by his mother in the public gallery.

Kyle Lahiff pleaded guilty to a spate of offences including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and an evasion charge. Photo: Facebook

Police prosecutor Michael Phillips said the most serious offences were the dangerous driving and evasion charges.

The court heard police tried to pull Lahiff over while he was driving on Little Channon St on June 16, 2021.

But Lahiff instead sped off and collided with another car.

The car Lahiff was driving was unregistered, uninsured and had false plates, the court heard.

He was unlicensed at the time.

Defence lawyer Neesha Maidwell said her client did not stop the car because he was scared.

She said Lahiff was not under the influence, and was apologetic and remorseful for his actions.

Kyle Lahiff outside Gympie Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Magistrate Chris Callaghan described Lahiff’s actions as “incredibly stupid on his part”.

He was given 15 months probation for the spate of offences and ordered to complete 200 hours community service.

He was ordered to pay $97.31 in restitution for the stolen fuel.

A conviction was not recorded.