Jail For P-plate Driver

Newcastle Herald

Wednesday April 30, 2008

By INGRID BOWN

A P-PLATER who overtook a police car on the inside in a souped-up Honda before speeding off at at least 40 kmh over the limit was sent to jail for three months yesterday.

Family members gasped as Cody James Woodward, 21, of St Andrew's Way, Fletcher, was led away from the dock in Newcastle Local Court.

Magistrate Michael Morahan told him that a message needed to be sent to the public that such behaviour was unacceptable.

"The facts are very bad and when I look at your record it's even worse," he told Woodward, noting three prior speeding offences and a street-racing offence.

Police evidence before the court said officers in a police car stopped at traffic lights at the intersection of Tudor and Beaumont streets in Hamilton heard an engine revving loudly before Woodward overtook as the lights turned green about 7.25pm on Friday, February 8.

Police followed the car along Tudor Street. Their car was travelling at no less than 110 kmh in the 60 kmh zone and Woodward's car was pulling away from it, the evidence said.

His car was also seen weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds without indicating.

When police stopped him, Woodward, who had two teenage passengers, was issued with defect notices for having smooth tyres and illegally modifying the car's engine to increase its power.

Woodward's solicitor, Paul O'Sullivan, told the court his client now accepted that his manner of driving had made him a danger to the public.

He said Woodward was a valued employee at a fruit and vegetable shop and worked up to 45 hours a week.

Woodward, who has lodged a severity appeal, was also disqualified from driving for two years.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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