Tyson Lawrence pleads guilty to evading police, driving dangerously at Yandina

A young man who has never held a licence has been hit with a whopping fine after making his getaway from police during a routine traffic intercept.

Tyson Steven Lawrence faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday. Picture: Patrick Woods

A Bli Bli man has been taken off the road for two years and given a whopping fine for driving dangerously and evading police while on a suspended learner’s driver’s licence.

Tyson Steven Lawrence’s had a SPER-suspended learner licence when he ramped up his getaway from police at Yandina on June 10.

Police prosecutor Allison Johnstone said officers were patrolling Yandina Coolum Rd about 1.35pm when they saw the 20-year-old’s white Hyundai allegedly travelling at 93km/h in a 60km/h zone along the two-lane road.

Sergeant Johnstone said police performed a U-turn with their lights and sirens activated and caught up to Lawrence’s vehicle when the suspended driver overtook a motorist over double white lines on a blind corner.

Police could hear the Hyundai accelerate due to its noisy exhaust and, due to these dangerous actions, officers stopped their pursuit.

Lawrence after his court appearance. Picture: Patrick Woods

As they pulled over near Collins Rd, Lawrence was seen overtaking two more cars over the double white lines.

During their patrols at Ninderry 20 minutes later, they saw the vehicle parked outside a home.

The court was told Lawrence made admissions to police to driving the vehicle with his girlfriend in the passenger seat after making a trip to Cooroy for lunch. She is not accused of any wrongdoing.

It was revealed by police the 20-year-old only had a learner driver’s licence, which was suspended by the State Penalties Enforcement Registry.

He was charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, evasion and driving without a licence.

He pleaded guilty. Picture: Patrick Woods

Lawrence admitted to his charges by pleading guilty in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday.

Defence solicitor Sarah Knight said Lawrence, who had no criminal history, was cooperative with police when they found the car at his home.

Ms Knight said she was instructed the reason he did not stop for police was because Yandina Coolum Rd would have been difficult to walk from if he had to leave his car there.

She said the subcontracting roofer regretted his actions.

Magistrate Anna Smith said Lawrence was lucky he was still alive, because “plenty of people die” at his age due to car crashes.

She disqualified Lawrence’s licence for two years and one month, and fined him $9100. He must also perform 50 hours’ community service.

No conviction was recorded for the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, while traffic convictions were recorded for the other two offences.