Troy Joachim: Shepparton hoon out of jail in three weeks after multiple high-speed chases
Smoke was “pluming” from a hoon’s car tyres as he navigated tight turns while leading police through main Shepparton streets during one of several high-speed chases. And a search of his bedroom landed him in even more strife.
Goulburn Valley
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A hoon on his learner’s permit who led police on multiple high-speed chases through busy Shepparton streets – nearly resulting in a head-on collision – will be out of prison in just under three weeks.
The Shepparton Magistrates’ Court heard Troy Joachim, 24, from Shepparton drove “erratically” and at dangerous speeds throughout town on four occasions since May.
But Magistrate David Faram said while his offending was serious, it was not the worst to come before the court.
“Some matters have involved driving which is significantly more dangerous than what Mr Joachim is engaged with,” he said.
In late May and late June, police spotted Joachim in Shepparton driving without L-plates.
Joachim accelerated “erratically” when he saw police on both occasions, beginning a wild chase through main Shepparton streets.
On the second occasion, Joachim was driving more than 100km/h in a 60km/h zone down St Georges Rd and pummelled through a roundabout and an intersection without giving way.
The court heard smoke was “pluming” from the car’s tyres as it navigated the tight turns into Bradford Rd and Maltby Rd.
Police again saw Joachim driving without L-plates on July 3 in Kialla after having avoided police for about a week.
After police turned on their sirens, Joachim was spotted overtaking at least five vehicles on blind corners at high speed, where he narrowly avoided a head-on collision, and ran a red light at the Goulburn Valley Hwy and Riverview Dr intersection.
A search of Joachim’s bedroom the same day revealed items which had been stolen from four cars and a shed in Shepparton in offences from April to June.
The items included World War II medals, $2100 in Indian currency, and a number of bank cards, and the search also revealed 4.29g of cannabis and one large sword.
Joachim was arrested in his bedroom and was taken into custody on July 16, but was bailed the next day to appear at court in September.
But three days later, Joachim was spotted again behind the wheel about 12:30pm in the Shepparton CBD, leading police on yet another high-speed pursuit, which involved Joachim nearly crashing into another police car.
Police stopped the chase and set-up a search, where they arrested Joachim about an hour later, who was found hiding in a shower.
Joachim’s lawyer said his client was a “frustrating character”, who was likeable and had his head screwed on when he was not on drugs.
He said he was a young Aboriginal man who had the support of his family, and had successfully completed one out of two community corrections orders in the past.
Mr Faram sentenced Joachim to three months prison including the 72 days time already served, plus 18 months of a Community Corrections Order including drug rehab – but he said it was a final warning.
“Unless you deal with this, you and I will see each other again, and you will go back to jail,” he said.
“It’s up to you – you’ve got to start addressing this behaviour and you’ve got to find a way to get some help to manage your current circumstances.”
Mr Faram said Joachim’s offending was reflective of a growing trend in Shepparton and Mooroopna where young drivers challenge police to chase them.
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