Coffs Harbour man’s desperate attempt to dodge police stop ends in smash

A court has heard how a Coffs man went to great lengths to avoid being stopped by police.

A man’s desperation to avoid a police stop in Coffs Harbour came to a dramatic end after his car slammed into a tree, a court has heard.

Toby Lou Thursday Mackney did not appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court for sentencing this week. Magistrate Ian Rodgers said Mackney had contacted the court and requested the matter be dealt with in his absence instead.

It was heard on May 15, Traffic and Highway Patrol officers began following Mackney to stop him for a random breath test.

Mackney however began speeding above the sign posted limit and was driving along a winding road when he lost control of his car, it was heard.

The car then smashed into a tree, a collision which was described by the magistrate as being to a “very substantial degree.”

This was not enough to stop Mackney, as it was heard he then freed himself from the wreck and continued – but failed – in his attempt to evade detention.

The man was sentenced at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Monday.

It was discovered that Mackney’s vehicle was both unregistered and uninsured and he was subsequently charged.

He was further charged with dangerous driving over the smash.

Magistrate Rodgers said that Mackney was on a good behaviour bond at the time of the offences, and had a previous conviction for drug driving.

He also had minor traffic infringements on his record including speeding.

Mackney was convicted and fined $550 each for the charges of driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

For the dangerous driving offence, he was convicted and fined $1,000. His licence was disqualified for 18 months.