18-year-old Thomas Grundy released from prison after Gold Coast car chase

A teenager who led police on a high-speed car chase through a Gold Coast suburb which ended in a crash that cut power to dozens of homes was released from prison on Thursday.

A TEENAGER who led police on a high-speed car chase in a Ford Mustang through Broadbeach which ended in a crash that cut power to dozens of homes was released from prison on Thursday.

Thomas Grundy, 18, was already on a disqualified licence when he drove the stolen car on steel rims, over 100km/hr into oncoming traffic and swerving from side to side on December 4 last year.

Grundy, who has been in custody since the chase, pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday to 10 charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

The court was told the chase ended when Grundy lost control of the car and hit a power box which caused a power outage in two unit blocks.

Magistrate Kerry Magee sentenced him to 15 months prison with immediate release on parole.

He was also fined $200 and disqualified from driving for two years.

“You need to understand that you already have two convictions of disqualified driving and you really don’t want a third because the courts will have to consider what they are going to do and it may well be a prison term,” she said.

Defence lawyer Rachel Barnes, of 888 Law, said Grundy had been kicked out of home at 14 and spent most of his teenage life on the streets or couch surfing.

She said his father had agreed to let Grundy live with him upon release from prison.

Ms Barnes said Grundy hoped to get work as an apprentice.

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