Sparks fly as learner driver tries to evade police at high speed

An unaccompanied learner driver has been arrested and charged with driving and assault charges. Photo: File

An unaccompanied learner driver has faced the ACT Magistrates Court on driving and assault charges after police saw the man driving an allegedly stolen car with no right-hand wheel at speeds of more than 170 km/h along the Barton Highway on Friday (3 April).

Once arrested, the 20-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle allegedly coughed on a police officer and said he’d returned from China.

At about 8:30 am on Friday, police were near the intersection of the Barton Highway and Victoria Street in Hall when they observed a vehicle that had been involved in a matter involving the NSW Police Force earlier in the day.

The car, which had been reported stolen, had no right-hand wheel and sparks were emitting from the rear of the vehicle. Police estimate the car reached was travelling about 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone.

Police involved in the pursuit estimated the car reached speeds of 178 km/h in an 80km/h zone on the Barton Highway.

Police followed the car and observed it swerving in and out of traffic as the driver tried to flee.

The car came to a stop behind several vehicles at a red light at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Clarrie Hermes Drive.

The car was followed by police at a distance and continued on to William Slim Drive where it crossed on to the incorrect side of the road to overtake several vehicles.

The car continued towards Ginninderra Drive crossing between the correct side and the incorrect side of the road a number of times.

As the car neared the intersection with Ginninderra Drive, it was again on the incorrect side of William Slim Drive.

The car is alleged to have travelled through a red light at the intersection of William Slim and Ginninderra Drive where it collided with two vehicles.

ACT Ambulance Service treated those involved in the collision and the driver and passenger of one of the cars were transported to hospital.

The 20-year-old has been charged with failure to stop a motor vehicle for police, assault, dangerous driving, driving a stolen motor vehicle and for being an unaccompanied learner driver.