Vince Mason: Driver threatens officers in Mildura police pursuit

A Mildura driver “accelerated heavily” in the direction of a cop car before he fled interstate – but he wasn’t on the run for long.

Police vehicles outside Mildura police station. Picture: Glenn Milne

A court has heard a man on the run from police drove erratically towards officers, forcing them to get out of the way, before he fled Victoria.

Vince James Mason, also known as Vincent Grandenetti, 56, pleaded guilty to numerous driving charges on Wednesday at Mildura Magistrates’ Court.

A police prosecutor said Mason was driving on the Calder Highway at Hattah, south of Mildura on November 6 last year.

He was observed travelling at an alleged speed of 150km/h in a 110km/h zone while driving towards a highway patrol vehicle.

The court was told a preliminary oral fluid test indicated the presence of an illicit substance but he refused to accompany police to a station for further testing.

Asked about his speed, Mason told police he was “maybe doing 130”.

Police said Mason on November 16 last year was observed driving on Deakin Ave in Mildura.

The court heard Mason again refused to accompany police after a preliminary test indicated an illicit substance was present.

In a third incident, police attended a Mildura address on February 26 this year following a triple-0 call.

The court heard Mason reversed his green Holden Commodore onto the road, with police cars setting up to block his exit at the end of the street.

Police said after Mason was asked by an officer to turn his car off, he began revving the engine.

The court heard Mason then accelerated heavily towards the police cars, prompting one officer to move out of the way.

Mason was said to have mounted the kerb, driving on a nature strip before exiting the street.

The court heard Mason then fled interstate.

Police did not pursue due to the dangerous nature of Mason’s driving which included hitting a fire hydrant during his escape.

Appearing in court by video link, Mason claimed capsicum spray had been used on him and that he had driven away from the officer and around the cars.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan sentenced Mason to two months in prison on failing to stop, driving in a manner dangerous and wilful damage charges.

Mason was convicted and discharged for failing to wear a seatbelt and using his mobile phone while driving.

For his November driving matters, Mason was fined $1000.

His licence was cancelled and he was disqualified from driving.

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