Levi Lobel: Vaucluse man charged with speeding, police pursuit

An eastern suburbs driver on his L plates led the cops on a police chase through the streets of a Sydney harbourside suburb, speeding before a head-on collision. See the shocking item he had in his car.

Levi Lobel (left) leaving Waverley Court with his lawyer.

A young man on his L plates was warned by a magistrate there are “serious consequences” to attempting to escape police pursuit – after a high-speed solo ride on the streets of Bellevue Hill with a knife inside his car.

Levi Lobel, 18, of Vaucluse, was charged with failing to stop while aware of a police pursuit, driving without an authorised person in the passenger seat while a Learner, failing to display his L plates, and custody of a knife in a public place at Waverley Local Court on Friday.

According to facts tendered to court about 11.51 on September 22 police patrolling Bellevue Hill began pursuing a Volkswagen, driven by Lobel.

When he refused to pull over, police pursued the vehicle down Birriga Rd, leading it to accelerate harshly in an effort to lose them.

Police turned on their lights and sirens and continued the pursuit.

Levi Lobel Waverley Court November 25 2022

Lobel was travelling above 70km/h – over 20km over the speed limit – when he attempted to turn into Bondi Rd, lost control of the car, and crashed into an occupied grey Mercedes, activating the airbags and leaving smoke billowing out.

Lobel attempted to drive away, but the car was too badly damaged, the facts state.

Police then arrested the eastern suburbs man and discovered a 30cm steak knife in his car.

“The accused showed a clear disregard for public safety by attempting to avoid police detection”, the facts state.

Lobel’s lawyer told court his client recognised the “seriousness” of his charges, including the fact he hit another car while attempting to elude police.

But the lawyer contended Lobel’s youth and past struggles should be considered by the court in its sentencing – and asked that the minimum sentence be considered.

The court heard the man had completed high school in Sydney’s eastern suburbs after moving to NSW to live with his father.

Magistrate Ross Hudson said the fact the young man was driving unaccompanied while on his learner permit must be considered by the court, but accepted his age and past experiences would serve as mitigating factors in his punishment.

The car Lobel hit was rendered “undriveable” as a result of the front-on crash, the magistrate noted.

Magistrate Hudson convicted Lobel on all charges, and fined him $1300.

The magistrate disqualified Lobel’s licence for 12 months and sentenced him to a 15-month community correction order.

The court heard Lobel must abstain from drugs and undertake rehabilitation for drugs and alcohol, his mental health, and complete the traffic offenders program.