Kyran Ian Matthews in court for fleeing police, dangerous driving

A young Brisbane man who told his family he planned to crash his car and hurt himself, sped through a stop sign in Kingaroy with police in pursuit, before spinning out of control on the D’Aguilar Hwy and crashing.

Kyran Matthews pleaded guilty to fleeing police and other charges at Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Friday.

A young Brisbane man sped through traffic lights while being pursued by police, lost control on the D’Aguilar Highway through roadworks and crashed his car into a ditch.

Kyran Ian Matthews, 20, pleaded guilty at Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Friday to drink driving, dangerous operation of a vehicle and evading police.

Police prosecutor Barry Stevens told the court Matthews was driving on Moore St in Kingaroy at “excessive speed” on October 29, 2023 about 6.50pm.

When police tried to stop him, he turned onto Fisher St and drove through a stop sign.

Once police caught up to him, they activated their lights and sirens before Matthews increased his speed and overtook a vehicle in front of him, the court heard.

Matthews was driving 50km over the speed limit at 100km/h in a 50km zone.

Police followed him onto Haly St, where he sped through a red light and police ended the pursuit, the court was told.

About 30 minutes later police were called to a single vehicle crash on the D’Aguilar Highway at road works in a 40km/h zone.

Kyran Matthews pleaded guilty to evading police and other charges at Kingaroy Magistrates Court on Friday.

“Police could see on the gravel that the vehicle had lost control when approaching a slight turn, spun out and crossing into the oncoming lane before crashing into a ditch,” Sgt Stevens said.

The court heard there was also significant damage to the vehicle.

Police requested an ambulance for Matthews, however, he said he didn’t need one and had no signs of injury, the court heard.

Matthews had also been drinking and blew a reading of .087.

“He told police he was travelling back to Brisbane and wanted to get there as quickly as he could,” Sgt Stevens said.

The court heard Matthews’ family had told police he had “a lot going on” and had mental health issues.

“He told family that he intended to crash his car and hurt himself,” Sgt Stevens said.

It was also revealed Matthews was on his mobile phone at the time of the crash and was talking to a family member.

He was eventually transported to hospital by ambulance for a mental health assessment.

Matthews was supported by his family at court with his mother speaking on his behalf.

“He has gone through a lot ... he knows what he’s done,” she said.

Matthews had no prior criminal history and only one minor traffic infringement in his driving history.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair fined Matthews $7740, and disqualified him from driving for two years and nine months.

All convictions were recorded.