Driver at centre of high-speed pursuit avoids prison

Fleeing Tauranga driver Ethan Cowley was sentenced in the District Court of Tauranga for an "incredibly dangerous" piece of driving during a prolonged police pursuit. Photo/File

A Tauranga man who led police on a lengthy pursuit that reached speeds of more than 170km/h has narrowly avoided being sent to jail.

Ethan Cowley, 20, who earlier pleaded guilty to four charges, including driving while his licence was suspended and failing to stop for police, was sentenced to nine months' supervision in the Tauranga District Court, this week.

The charges stemmed from a lengthy police pursuit on December 15 last year which began when police spotted Cowley driving along Otumoetai Rd.

The pursuit through Bureta, Tauranga CBD, including Chapel St, the Harbour Bridge on-ramp, Takitumu Drive and the Toll Rd, only came to an end at The Lakes after Cowley's car was blocked by a metal roadside barrier.

During the chase, Cowley failed to stop for give way signs, overtook vehicles at more than 110km/h, and drove over double yellow lines.

Several motorists had to take evasive action, and once he reached the Toll Rd, he overtook three motorists at more than 170km/h, and eventually two patrol cars boxed him in.

In explanation Cowley told the arresting officer - "I guess I just wanted to have some fun."

Cowley was also sentenced on two further charges - theft of $700 from his stepfather and failing to answer district court bail.

His lawyer William McNicol urged Judge Glen Marshall to impose the recommended supervision sentence and usual disqualification, as his client had already taken rehabilitative steps

That included arranging to see a psychiatrist to help him with his mental health issues, and he was also due to have a brain scan, he said.

Mr McNicol said Cowley had also engaged with Hanmer Clinic and another organisation to assist him with his workplace integration.

Judge Marshall said Cowley's driving was extremely dangerous.

If it had not been for his "significant health difficulties", age and engagement with the Community Mental Health unit, he would have had no hesitation in sending him to prison.

"It's a wonder you, and your passenger or other road users, were not killed as a result of your driving. It was incredibly dangerous," the judge said.

Judge Marshall warned Cowley that it would be prison next time if there were any repeat of the "appalling piece of driving".

Cowley was disqualified from driving for a further 18 months from June 21 to "keep him and other road users safe", and ordered to pay full reparation.