Dylan Ray Webb sentenced to two years in jail for role in police chase on the West Coast

‘A bad case of dangerous driving’ is how a Supreme Court judge described a police chase that ended after a man’s car spun out of control and smashed into a guard rail.

Murchison Highway on the way to Hellyer Gorge. Picture: Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett

A police chase involving a man who was not allowed to drive under his bail conditions, was over the legal blood alcohol limit, had smoked cannabis earlier that morning, and used ice two days prior came to an abrupt end.

Dylan Ray Webb – who had previously pleaded guilty to a count of dangerous driving and was also sentenced for a number of drug, driving, alcohol and breach of bail summary offences – was given a two-year jail term, backdated to September 24, 2023, the day he committed the crimes.

During sentencing, Chief Justice Alan Blow said that police observed Webb speeding on the Murchison Highway about 12km north of the West Coast town of Tullah.

When officers put on their sirens, Webb accelerated and drove on to the wrong side of the road.

The 33-year-old later admitted to police that he did it hoping that officers would abandon the pursuit.

The method worked for Webb, with Chief Justice Blow saying that “the police ceased pursuit because of the danger to the public”.

Chief Justice The Honourable Alan Blow AO. Ceremonial sitting for the 200 year anniversary of the Supreme Court of Tasmania. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Authorities then set up road spikes further north on the Ridgley Highway.

“Webb took evasive action and avoided them. He drove on to the southbound lane of the Ridgley Highway,” Chief Justice Blow said.

“His vehicle’s brakes locked.

“It spun out of control into the path of oncoming traffic and then collided with an Armco railing on the incorrect side of the road.”

Webb had a blood-alcohol level of 0.072, and an oral fluid test returned positive readings for THC and methylamphetamine.

Police also found a quantity of marijuana, an ice pipe and a cannabis smoking device.

Chief Justice Blow said that Webb co-operated with police following his arrest.

“He acknowledges now that failing to stop for the police was the worst mistake that he had made for a long time.

“He is ashamed of what he did, of the impact on his family, and of the fact that he could have caused a fatal accident.”

Webb also pleaded guilty to the charges at an early stage.

“This was a bad case of dangerous driving. He drove into the face of oncoming traffic on two occasions,” Chief Justice Blow said.

“He drove while intoxicated and did not stop until he crashed his car.”

Webb will be eligible for parole from September 24.