Blake Freebody: Corrimal man appeals assault, police pursuit jail sentence

A knife-wielding attacker who violently assaulted and threatened residents in a Wollongong home, before leading police on a wild 150km/h chase, has successfully appealed his prison sentence.

Blake Freebody was originally sentenced to two years and six months behind bars. Picture: NSW Police

A man who broke into a Wollongong home while wielding a knife and threatening to stab its residents, before leading police on a wild 150km/h chase through suburban streets, has been released from prison after successfully appealing his sentence.

Blake Freebody, 21, was jailed for two years and three months in Wollongong Local Court on May 6 after pleading guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm, two counts of stalking and intimidation, entering a dwelling with intent, and a police pursuit.

The Corrimal man appealed the sentence in Wollongong District Court on Thursday, with the charges stemming from a series of offences in late July and early August last year.

Agreed facts reveal Freebody entered a Wollongong home on July 28, 2024, where he punched, pushed and assaulted a resident while brandishing a 30cm knife — though it was not used in the attack.

Freebody then threatened the two residents, yelling: “I’m going to stab everybody here”.

Blake Freebody appealed his sentence in Wollongong District Court. Picture: Dylan Arvela

The knife-wielding attacker fled, but was spotted days later speeding through Wollongong suburbs, triggering a police pursuit that hit staggering speeds of 150km/h in an 80km/h zone.

Agreed facts state Freebody even sped through an active school zone.

He was later arrested, charged and refused bail for the offending, after a warrant for his arrest was released by police.

During Thursday’s appeal, his lawyer argued the sentence was “too harsh” and pointed to Freebody’s already lengthy 10-month stay behind bars.

But the Crown urged Judge William Fitzsimmons to consider the serious nature of the crimes, including the fear caused to the residents in the home and the danger to other drivers during the wild pursuit.

Judge Fitzsimmons acknowledged the gravity of the offending, but also noted Freebody’s young age, mental health issues and rehabilitation prospects.

The sentence was reduced to one year and six months, with a 10-month non-parole period — making Freebody eligible for immediate release.

“I hope this period in custody has been a wake-up call to you,” Judge Fitzsimmons said.

Freebody’s convictions remain in place.

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