Cory Dean O’Shannessy, 30, from Hillcrest in Beenleigh Court for dangerous operation

A Logan martial arts instructor described himself as ‘Batman’ in court after he ran a driver off the road in a vigilante, high-speed pursuit.

Cory Dean O’Shannessy, 30, leaves Beenleigh Magistrates Court.

A Logan martial arts instructor has described himself as “Batman” in court after he ran a driver off the road in a vigilante, high-speed pursuit.

Cory Dean O’Shannessy pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle in Beenleigh Magistrates Court on May 17.

The court heard the 30-year-old martial arts instructor was having issues with his landlord after the home flooded and the owner tried to raise the rent following repairs.

On March 17 two men in a Volkswagen were parked outside O’Shannessy’s home, holding weapons, which he believed was due to the ongoing landlord conflict.

O’Shannessy called police and when the Volkswagen left his home, got in his car and pursued them at speed.

He was driving erratically on Browns Plains Rd and ran a red light on Kingston Rd.

The court heard other road users started calling police to report the dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, O’Shannessy was on the phone with police and they repeatedly told him to stop driving.

He drove on the wrong side of the road and caused other cars to take evasive action.

The court heard that in an effort to flee from O’Shannessy, the driver of the Volkswagen sustained a smashed rear view window and mirrors to their car.

Police eventually caught up with O’Shannessy and he made admissions to them about the dangerous driving.

O’Shannessy represented himself in court and said his behaviour was out of character.

“I grew up around QPS and law enforcement, I know that doesn’t give me the right to go out and be Batman on the streets though,” he said.

“I’m a responsible person, I teach martial arts and own two black belts in two different martial arts.”

O’Shannessy said the duo’s weapons were clearly visible.

“They had two weapons, a 20 to 30cm length knife and were holding it out of the car,” he said.

“I also saw them holding a black pole.”

The court heard O’Shannessy worked at Repco and had a minor criminal history.

The Hillcrest man was also a father of one.

Magistrate Terry Duroux said the incident was odd.

“This was a very, very unusual situation,” he said.

“I thought you martial arts blokes were all about discipline... you can’t be a vigilante, do not take the law into your own hands.

“It was only because of the driving skills of the other road users that there was not an accident.”

O’Shannessy was fined $1500 and his driving licence was disqualified for six months.

A conviction was recorded.