Ipswich teens face court accused of high-speed chase on wrong side of highway

A 17-year-old girl has been arrested for a high speed police chase in which she allegedly drove a stolen car “extraordinarily dangerously” on the wrong side of the Ipswich Motorway.

A 17-year-old girl has been arrested for a high speed police chase in which she allegedly drove a stolen car “extraordinarily dangerously” on the wrong side of the Ipswich Motorway. Generic image.

A 17-year-old girl has been arrested for a high speed police chase in which she allegedly drove a stolen car “extraordinarily dangerously” on the wrong side of the Ipswich Motorway.

The Ipswich Magistrates Court heard at the girl’s bail application on Tuesday how the girl allegedly attempted to flee from police on foot, alongside her 14-year-old passenger and co-accused, after police deployed tyre spikes on the Cunningham Highway at the weekend.

Acting Magistrate Rob Turra said the L-plater had been on probation for similar offending when she allegedly drove a stolen car at “high speeds” around Brisbane and Ipswich areas.

He said POLAIR was deployed as the girl allegedly drove “extraordinarily dangerously” onto the wrong side of the Ipswich Motorway.

“I would suggest that’s difficult to do since it’s a divided road the whole way,” Mr Turra said.

He said she then allegedly reversed down an off-ramp towards Ipswich “in an attempt to avoid police” before being intercepted.

A 17-year-old is alleged to have driven on the wrong side of a highway.

The girl’s 14-year-old passenger was arrested and charged with offences including unlawful use of motor vehicles.

He was granted bail on Tuesday, prior to his co-accused’s bail application, after the court heard he had limited criminal history.

Mr Turra said the girl’s behaviour was “extraordinarily risky” and put herself, her passenger, and the community at significant risk.

He said her 13-page criminal history – which included armed robbery, enter dwelling and unlawful use offences – showed she was “quite a prolific offender”.

Duty lawyer Grace Anderson argued that stringent bail conditions, including a curfew and ankle monitor, would ameliorate the girl’s risk of reoffending.

Ms Anderson said the girl had aspirations of becoming a youth worker, for which she would need a blue card.

She said the girl had employment currently and intended to complete grade 12 in Ipswich in 2025.

Police prosecutor Bridie O’Shea said the girl had previously breached curfew conditions while on bail.

She said the girl “simply will not stop offending”, despite the courts granting her “plenty of opportunity” in the form of various sentences including restorative justice orders.

Mr Turra decided no bail conditions could appropriately mitigate the girl’s risk of endangering the safety of the community.

The girl was remanded in detention, charged with offences including dangerous operation of a vehicle and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Her matter was listed for mention on January 13.