Drug driver to be released into rehab after terrifying police pursuit

A MAN will be released from prison after leading police on a pursuit through the northern suburbs of Darwin, driving on the wrong side of the road and forcing cars out of the way during peak hour

A man will be released from prison in April after pleading guilty to leading police on a pursuit through the northern suburbs of Darwin. (Stock photo)

A MAN will be released from prison in April after pleading guilty to leading police on a pursuit through the northern suburbs of Darwin, driving on the wrong side of the road and forcing people to move out of the way during peak hour last year.

Teddy Wesley, 22, appeared in the dock of Darwin Local Court on Wednesday where he was told he would be released on April 9 on the condition that he go straight to residential rehabilitation for six months to address his methamphetamine addiction.

Wesley pleaded guilty to a raft of charges earlier this month including driving while disqualified, drug-driving, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and recklessly endangering life.

The court heard that at around 7am on October 10 last year, Wesley began leading police on a pursuit that went through the streets of Karama, Malak and Leanyer.

During sentencing, Judge Elisabeth Armitage said Wesley’s driving was “extremely dangerous” and that he drove on the wrong side of the road for a significant part of the pursuit.

“The driving was extremely dangerous over an extended period of time when there would have been a significant amount of traffic,” Ms Armitage said.

“A number of people had to take evasive action to avoid head-on collisions with you.”

When Wesley eventually stopped, police found cannabis in the car and he tested positive for methamphetamine.

Police also found that Wesley’s licence had been disqualified.

Ms Armitage also told the court that, although Wesley had not been charged for it, the car he was driving had been stolen.

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However, she told the court that given Wesley’s young age, she wanted to give him to chance to rehabilitate.

“I’m ready to accept that you can succeed at residential rehab and ongoing rehab.”

Wesley was sentenced to 18 months’ jail, suspended after six months.

His licence has been disqualified for two years.