Toowoomba man Braydon Hearn, 24, sentenced for dangerous driving

A known offender previously jailed for crashing a 4WD into a suburban home has rammed police in an attempt to escape penalty.

Picture: File

A recidivist reckless driver threatened to harm a police officer in a dangerous attempt to evade police.

Braydon Hearn was wanted by police when he repeatedly rammed a cop car and seriously endangered an officer in an attempt to evade capture earlier this year, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

Appearing via video link, the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple charges including dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Police prosecutor Chris Willson said Mr Hearn knew there was a warrant for his arrest.

“He was lucky the officer involved was not seriously injured,” Mr Willson said.

“One could argue that it was in itself an attempted evasion.”

Mr Hearn was previously sentenced to 15 months in jail for crashing a stolen vehicle into a house in 2021 and had a history of dangerous driving offences.

He was subject to parole at the time of the incident, having only been released from custody three weeks earlier.

“Not only is he in breach of parole with a warrant for his arrest, but he’s continuing to drive vehicles in a manner which places the defendant, police and the public in unnecessary danger,” Mr Willson said.

Solicitor Paige Hetherington said Mr Hearn had been severely disadvantaged growing up which had led to substance abuse.

“Majority of offending, I’m instructed, is fuelled by drug use and this particular matter is no exception”

She argued immediate parole eligibility would be a just despite the serious offending as the parole system was experiencing significant delays.

“The turnaround times for parole applications at this point in time is about three months so there is a risk that he will serve a significant portion of the head sentence before being entitled to parole.”

Magistrate Michelle Dooley reprimanded Mr Hearn for his “appalling” behaviour and seemingly flippant attitude.

“You’re a young man that should be kept away from motor vehicles,” she said.

“You are looking at the moment as being someone who may end up spending the greater part of their youth in custody – I don’t think that’s a good thing, do you?” she asked.

“It is what it is,” Mr Hearn said in reply.

“It’s up to you, that’s what it is,” Ms Dooley said.

“Try and think before you act.”

On top of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Hearn was sentenced for driving without a licence while disqualified by court order and obstructing police.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison with an immediate parole eligibility date set and 84 days of pre-sentence custody declared.

He was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for four years, with a possibility of retaining a licence after three years.