Ben Cameron Johnston sentenced for evading police

An aspiring airman who hatched a cheeky plan to avoid police finding out he was driving during a bold escape quickly folded when his father found out.

An aspiring airman who reported his car stolen in an effort to avoid police finding out he was driving during a bold escape said panic clouded his judgment, a court has heard.

Ben Cameron Johnston was fined $7000 in Caloundra Magistrates Court on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to two charges including evading police and imposition.

Police prosecutor Amanda Brewer told the court Johnston had bought the blue Holden Commodore on the morning of December 15, 2021 before police saw him speed through a red light at 10.50pm.

Sergeant Brewer said Johnston accelerated away from police when they turned their lights and sirens on.

“Rather than pull over as directed the vehicle has accelerated away and was last seen by police … overtaking other vehicles in order to escape,” she said.

After successfully escaping police the now 19-year-old hatched a plan to avoid punishment and reported his new car stolen at 8.30am on December 16.

“(Johnston) stated he last saw his car at his home at 8pm on December 15, 2021,” Sergeant Brewer said.

“He stated he realised his car was missing on December 16 and … he suspected he left his keys in the vehicle.”

Ben Cameron Johnston was fined $7000 in Caloundra Magistrates Court on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to two charges including evading police and imposition. Picture: Sunshine Coast Daily.

It wasn’t until Johnston came clean to his father later in the day that the Little Mountain resident attended the Caloundra Police Station.

His father acted as a support person during his record of interview.

Sergeant Brewer said given the circumstances she said the minimum fine would be appropriate.

Defence solicitor Belinda Robinson said Johnston had applied to enter the air force and had dreams of becoming a loadmaster.

Ms Robinson asked Magistrate Catherine Benson not to record a conviction.

“A conviction would be prejudicial to his application,” she said.

Ms Robinson told the court the now 19-year-old had saved $3000 for six months to buy the car and was very remorseful, embarrassed and ashamed of his behaviour.

“He wasn’t thinking straight,” she said.

She said a fine would be an appropriate punishment given his co-operation with police and his early plea of guilty.

Ms Benson said Johnston’s “immaturity” made the situation much worse.

She said it was clear Johnston had strong family support and was held in high regard by those who knew him.

She said Johnston had endured the stress related to the court process and thought it was highly unlikely he would commit a similar offence again.

He was not further punished for the charge of imposition.

No convictions were recorded.