Paget drug driver hits cop before high speed chase

James Noel Harvey was high on ice when he drove into a police car, struck an officer and sped away.

Stike Force Woden investigating hay scam targeting farmers.

AN ICED up driver rammed into a cop car and struck an officer in a desperate bid to avoid police.

James Noel Harvey was slumped over his steering wheel on Maguire St, with the vehicle still running, when the officers tried to wake him at 5.30am on January 21 this year.

High on methylamphetamine, Harvey, who was on probation, put his car into reverse and drove into a police vehicle, causing minor damage to the front fender.

The officers then used a baton to smash the driver side window to arrest him.

But Harvey put his car in drive, mounted the left hand side shoulder of road, drove around the police vehicles and accelerated onto Warrener St.

More Stories:

Mum to ambos at crash: 'Tell my kids I love them'

FATAL DECISION: A difference between life and death

Coronial probe into death at Mackay Base Hospital

During his escape, Harvey struck a constable's arms with his car door pillars.

"A police chase ensued … you were a disqualified driver," Magistrate Bronwyn Hartigan said.

"You drove at speeds in excess of 100km/h … by time you were on Milton St you were going 100km in a 60km zone.

"Many people are on the road at that time … exercising, going to work and going about their business."

Mackay Magistrates Court heard Harvey was seen swerving over the road, running red lights and causing people to get out of his way.

He also hit the side of a parked semi trailer.

More Stories:

Nine horror animal cruelty cases that shocked Mackay

TRUE CRIME: Eight chilling crimes that rocked Mackay

COLD CASE: Plea for answers 'before it is too late'

Later that same day, at 9.44am, police searched his Centurion Dr property and found 4.552g of methylamphetamine estimated to be about 3g pure, 40g of marijuana, $1285 in cash, a glass pipe, unused clip seal bags, two lights in the shape of a blowtorch, scales and a knife.

The court heard Harvey was, on October 11 last year, charged with failing to give his full and correct name to police, driving unlicensed and failing to remain at a place where police turned up to talk to him.

On November 14, he was also found in possession of 9.3g marijuana, 3.224g pure methylamphetamine, 10.67g ecstasy, and 1.936g MDMA, clip seal bags, $2050 cash, 180 rounds of 0.22 calibre ammunition, and a 0.22 calibre rifle.

On Friday Harvey pleaded guilty to 22 charges including multiple counts of possessing dangerous drugs, wilful damage, driving unlicensed, driving under the influence, and possession of a weapon, and the breach of bail.

He was jailed for 18 months, with 157 days already served, and given immediate parole.

He was also disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Subscriber benefits:

How to make the most of your digital subscription

Daily puzzles and Sudoku another reason to stay subscribed

Originally published as