Alwyn Leslie Bright pleads guilty to aggravated dangerous driving in Mackay

A dangerous driver who jumped out of his car and tried to run from police soon regretted his decision when he found himself facedown and in the jaws of a police dog.

Alwyn Leslie Bright pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while adversely impacted by marijuana.

A dangerous driver has relived the moment he was pinned down in the jaws of a police dog following a hectic chase as the footage of him screaming on the ground was replayed in Mackay District Court.

Alwyn Leslie Bright had been a disqualified driver when police spotted him behind the wheel of a car near the Mackay PCYC on November 19, 2023.

But when officers approached, he sped off.

Crown prosecutor Monique Sheppard alleged the then 23-year-old’s manner of driving on Ambrose Way was so dangerous police were forced to stop their pursuit.

The court heard he struck a rock with the vehicle while on the wrong side of the road and caused it damage to the point he had to pull over.

Bright fled the car sparking a foot chase that involved the dog squad.

Body worn camera footage of the arrest was played in court and showed Bright face down on the ground screaming as the police dog bit one of his shoulders.

The court heard he had marijuana in system in an amount that impacted his ability to drive.

Bright, now 25, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.

The court heard he was also on remand on other matters that would need to be finalised in Mackay Supreme Court.

Alwyn Leslie Bright pleaded guilty to dangerous driving while adversely impacted by marijuana.

Defence barrister Scott McLennan said his client had been in his third-year apprenticeship as a bricklayer when he was arrested.

He was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at 14 and had been on and off medication – he also self medicated with marijuana.

Mr McLennan said the ground had been dewy when he initially took off from police and the vehicle had fishtailed and Bright had not noticed the large rock on the roadway.

Mr McLennan further requested Judge John Allen KC take into consideration the extra curial punishment from the injuries caused by the dog bite.

Judge Allen said Bright’s traffic history included five counts each of disqualified driving and unlicensed driving and he had previously been handed probation for drug possession in 2022.

The court heard Bright’s engagement was superficial and failed to report 11 times.

A letter from his employer stated Bright was capable of hard work and Judge Allen accepted he had prospects of rehabilitation.

Bright was jailed for 12 months and disqualified from driving for six months. A conviction was recorded.

He was given immediate parole however will remain on remand on the separate charges.

Originally published as Alwyn Leslie Bright pleads guilty to aggravated dangerous driving in Mackay