Woman slapped with huge fine after high-speed pursuit

Driver gives police an interesting excuse for speeding through streets of Kingaroy.

A Cherbourg woman has been fined thousands of dollars after a high speed police chase. (Picture: File)

A Cherbourg woman has been slapped with a $6527.50 fine after taking Kingaroy police on a high-speed pursuit.

On January 15, Desma Rita Chapman was driving along River Road when police attempted to intercept her vehicle.

After police turned on their sirens, Mrs Chapman sped up, turned down two streets and travelled past a give-way sign on Kingaroy Street at high speed.

Police called off the pursuit due to safety reasons.

 

READ MORE:

Man allegedly stabbed in head with steak knife after break-in

'I will take your head off': Axe-wielding man walks free

 

The 58-year-old told the court she heard the sirens, however thought they were for someone else, and was in a rush to get to the mechanics as her radiator was about to blow.

She also told the court she wasn't the driver, however pleaded guilty and took the blame.

Mrs Chapman's duty lawyer Bonnie Djordjevic said a fine should be an acceptable punishment.

"My client has lived in the South Burnett her whole life, is caring for her 80-year-old father who is unwell with a broken hip," Ms Djordjevic said.

"She lost her husband two years ago, has three kids and is currently on a disability pension.

"Given her age, health and no previous convictions, I think the large fine is acceptable."

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair took into account the fact Chapman had no prior convictions and decided no further punishment was required, aside from the suspension of her licence.

"Your licence will be suspended for two full years and you will be ordered to pay the fine of $6527.50," Mr Sinclair said.

Originally published as