Alleged prison escapee, rogue driver Michael Douglas Westbrook fronts court

A prisoner allegedly reversed his car at a police officer during a prison break and car chase, according to court documents. SEE THE LATEST >>

A minimum security inmate allegedly reversed his car at a police officer during a prison break and car chase, according to court documents.

Michael Douglas Westbrook, 35, appeared via video-link at the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday over one count on each charge. The charges were escape, aggravated assault, evading police in aggravated circumstances, dangerous driving, motor vehicle stealing, destroying property, and driving while not holding a drivers licence.

According to court documents, all charges related to the alleged incident on Thursday where Mr Westbrook was claimed to have escaped Risdon Prison, stolen a vehicle and driven away from police.

Tasmania Police in attendance. A prisoner allegedly escaped from Risdon Prison. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The court documents show police alleged Mr Westbrook escaped from Risdon Prison, and had driven a Ford Ranger without the owner’s consent in Risdon Vale.

Police alleged in the documents Mr Westbrook had exceeded 110km/h in a 70km/h zone, had driven on the incorrect side of the East Derwent Hwy, travelled through a 40km/h roadworks zone at 70km/h, swerved onto the wrong side of the road several times, drove towards oncoming highway traffic which forced motorists to take evasive action, and overtook vehicles at a high speed.

The dangerous driving was claimed to have occurred at East Derwent Hwy, Baskerville Rd and Briggs Rd in Old Beach and Bridgewater.

Risdon Prison. A prisoner allegedly escaped from Risdon Prison. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The documented police allegations claimed Mr Westbrook had failed to pull over the stolen vehicle when police activated their lights and sirens, and had reversed the vehicle at a man who the Mercury has identified as a police officer.

Corrections Minister Elise Archer said on Thursday Mr Westbrook had been a minimum security prisoner at the time of his alleged escape.

A duty lawyer representing Mr Westbrook asked for the matters to adjourn without plea. He said his client would not apply for bail.

Magistrate Jackie Hartnett adjourned the matter to reappear via video-link on October 6.