Peter Hili alleged police pursuit ends in creek near North Gong Hotel
A Wollongong man is behind bars after being refused bail over an alleged police pursuit that ended in a creek near a popular hotel.
Illawarra Star
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An Illawarra man accused of jumping into a Wollongong creek to escape police after a dangerous alleged pursuit has been refused bail.
Peter Hili, 39, was arrested in a creek near Wollongong’s North Gong Hotel on Monday afternoon, after diving in following an alleged pursuit which saw him drive an uninsured vehicle while suspended into oncoming traffic.
The Bellambi dad was charged with police pursuit, drive recklessly/ furiously in a manner dangerous, drive while suspended, use uninsured vehicle and use unregistered vehicle, and was refused bail by Magistrate Susan McGowan at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday afternoon.
In documents tendered to the court, police allege they spotted a black Holden Captiva driving along Porter Street in North Wollongong around 1.15pm on Monday afternoon and noticing it wasn’t bearing registration plates, started following the vehicle.
It’s alleged that as police pulled in behind the car, it’s speed increased, and crossed over double lines to the centre of the road.
Police activated all warning signs and began to pursue the vehicle, allegedly noticing Peter Hili behind the wheel.
In court documents police allege Hili ignored police trying to stop him, and “accelerated away”.
It’s alleged Hili reached speeds of 90km an hour in signposted 50 zones while travelling from North Wollongong to Gwynneville, at one stage “almost colliding” with a vehicle on the wrong side of the roadway.
Police allege they terminated the pursuit a short time later, due to the “extreme and dangerous risk presented to the public”.
In court documents, police allege they found Hili’s vehicle dumped near North Wollongong train station a short time later, with witnesses saying he was wearing a blue jumper and carrying a black backpack.
While searching for Hili, police were stopped by staff from North Gong Hotel, who allegedly told police Hili had run through the back of the hotel and into a creek.
In court documents, police allege the found Hili hiding in the creek, before arresting him and taking him to Wollongong Police Station.
While searching his backpack, police allege they found a key to his vehicle. Also at the station, police allege checks revealed he was suspended from driving, and that the registration on the Holden Captiva had expired.
After being offered an interview with the arresting officers, police allege in court documents that Hili made partial admissions to the pursuit saying “what’s the point … It was stupid, I ended up losing my false teeth in the creek too.” When asked why he didn’t stop while being pursued, Hili allegedly said “I have a lot going on..”.
During his appearance in court on Tuesday, Hili’s defence lawyer Jordan Mechan argued for his client’s release telling the court he suffered from PTSD and needed new dentures after his were lost during his sip in the creek.
Mr Mechan also told the court that if granted bail his client would seek help for his mental health issues, noting he had left them unaddressed for too long.
“He now realises he needs help,” he said.
Given the fact Hili was on bail for other offences at the time of his arrest, Magistrate McGowan refused his application for bail, noting it was a strong prosecution case.
He is yet to enter pleas to the charges and the matter will return to court later this month.