Shannon Sparks-Lardner, 34, jailed over high-speed pursuit of ex-girlfriend

A man has been jailed for four years for after pursing his ex-girlfriend and her new partner on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of more than 160km/h.

A man who pursued his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his two children on a high-speed car chase that reached speeds of more than 160km/h hour in Brisbane’s northern suburbs has been sentenced to four years jail.

Shannon Nathan Sparks-Lardner, 34, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to two domestic violence offences from October 12, 2020 including attempted unlawful entry of vehicle for committing indictable offence and endangering the safety of a person in a vehicle with intent.

Judge Vicki Loury said Sparks-Lardner was driven by extreme jealousy and his actions stood in stark contrast to the references she was given which spoke of him as a “good father”.

“Your actions do not speak of a man who gave any thought to the emotional wellbeing of his children nor to providing them with a safe environment,” Judge Loury said.

Sparks-Lardner pursued his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children, Jade Cook, and her new partner through Nerangba where he hit the bonnet of her car, tried to open the passenger door, rammed her car three times and drove on the opposite side of the road in an attempt to swipe her.

Crown Prosecutor Julie Aylward told the court that earlier messages sent from Sparks-Lardner could indicate the incident was an act of jealousy.

Sparks-Lardner and Ms Cook had been in an on-and-off relationship for 15 years but had separated five months prior to the incident.

CCTV footage of the incident was shown to the court which captured Ms Cook reversing away from Sparks-Lardner before he rammed her car two times.

Ms Aylward told the court that it was clear from the eight-minute phone call Ms Cook made to the police during the chase that she was terrified and panicked.

“She’s screaming that he’s trying to run her off the road. During that call they can be heard as well telling the operator that they were travelling at about 160km/h,” Ms Aylward said.

Ms Cook escaped her ex-partner by heading to the Burpengary Police Station.

It was at this point Sparks-Lardner fled and abandoned the car, which was registered in Ms Cook’s name, and was seen leaving on a skateboard.

Judge Loury said that when questioned by police, Sparks-Lardner denied all knowledge of the incident saying the allegations were “f*cking unbelievable”.

Defence lawyer Bruce Mumford argued that Sparks-Lardner wasn’t reacting out of jealousy but rather out of anger for his children.

Sparks Lardner was sentenced to four years imprisonment with a parole eligibility date of February 11, 2022.