Liam Jade Arthur-Smith convicted of string of offences, including breaching DV orders, getting into police chase

A North Coast man had meth and cannabis in his system when he led police on a wild chase, fishtailing around corners, after he was busted leaving his ex’s house while subject to an AVO.

Liam Jade Arthur-Smith, 28, outside Lismore Local Court 5 June 2023.

A North Coast man had meth and cannabis in his system when he led police on a wild chase, fishtailing around corners, after he was busted leaving his ex’s house while subject to an AVO.

Liam Jade Arthur-Smith, an unemployed 28-year-old man from Whian Whian, faced Lismore Local Court.

He pleaded guilty to driving recklessly in a police pursuit, possessing prohibited drugs, possessing a restricted substance and drug driving, common assault and three counts of breaching conditions of apprehended violence orders.

Liam Jade Arthur-Smith, 28, outside Lismore Local Court.

The court heard Arthur-Smith, while subject to the order protecting both his ex-partner and her father, began arguing with them on August 6 last year.

Police were called and told Arthur-Smith had left the property and hopped into a Holden Commodore. Officers arrived and noticed Smith sitting in the driver’s seat.

Police tried to park in front of the Holden, but Arthur-Smith “reversed harshly”, according to court documents.

The Holden lost traction as Arthur-Smith performed a U-turn and drove off.

Police chased the Holden down windy Terania Creek Rd for more than a kilometre.

The Holden fishtailed around several bends, its rear wheels losing traction.

Arthur-Smith stopped the car in a driveway and police pulled him from the vehicle to arrest him.

He became aggressive and screamed as he kicked at the door of a police vehicle while locked inside.

Liam Jade Arthur-Smith was sentenced for a string of offences.

Police searched the car and found a bumbag containing an ice pipe, scales and resealable bags.

Officers also found an Endone tablet and a small amount of cannabis resin.

Arthur-Smith was taken to Lismore Base Hospital for blood and urine analysis. He tested positive to methamphetamines and cannabis.

Arthur-Smith then returned to his ex’s Terania Creek home while on bail on September 18, last year.

The woman’s dad confronted Arthur-Smith hiding beside a car in a shed and recorded on his mobile phone.

Arthur-Smith claimed he was trying to fix the car, despite not being allowed at the residence anyway, the documents state.

The father went to Lismore Police Station and told officers he held “serious concerns” for his daughter’s safety. Arthur-Smith was tracked down and taken into custody again.

But he bolted out a side door and fled into a neighbouring paddock, forcing police to tackle and cuff him.

Arthur-Smith returned to the home again on October 2 – this time he assaulted the father.

Liam Jade Arthur-Smith repeatedly breached

In court on Monday, Arthur-Smith’s defence lawyer pushed for his client to serve a sentence in the community.

He told the court, after referring to a counsellor: “He suffers badly from anxiety and tends to panic.”

“I think that’s part of the problem when he drove away from police,” the lawyer said.

The court heard Arthur-Smith’s illicit drug use caused his relationship to break down.

His lawyer said he had job offers to take up.

Magistrate Michael Dakin said Arthur-Smith’s predicament stemmed from relationship issues.

He was scathing about Arthur-Smith’s repeated offending.

“You were given bail yet you breached it and were released again,” Mr Dakin said.

Mr Dakin spoke of Arthur-Smith’s concerning manner of driving, though the defence argued it was only for a short distance.

Arthur-Smith was convicted and sentenced to 24-month community correction and 9-month intensive correction orders.

He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and must serve 200 hours of community service.