A Canberra man who rode a motorbike at a police officer while trying evade arrest was given a chance on Friday to prove he has rehabilitated himself for the long-term.
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Troy Graham, 20, appeared in the ACT Supreme Court to be sentenced for an assault and a series of traffic crimes relating to the December 18, 2015, incident.
Justice David Mossop fined Graham and sentenced him to five months jail, fully suspended. The judge said he would give the man some free advice.
"If you feel like things are going off the rails, look for help," the judge said. "Make sure you ask for help earlier rather than later."
He told Graham life was difficult enough without getting into trouble with the law, and that he hoped not to see him again.
Graham's lawyer had earlier told the court the man was in the throes of addiction when he committed the crimes, but had since made strides in turning his life around.
He was employed full-time in a job he liked and his boss trusted him, the court heard. He also had support from his family.
But prosecutors said the man had demonstrated an attitude of disobedience to authorities that was not a once-off.
On December 18, 2015, police spotted a man in Braddon riding a motorbike without a helmet, the court has heard.
The two officers tried to pull the man over but he took off.
Back at the police station, the officers checked the records of Graham, who they suspected was the rider.
The officers then went to the carpark in a set of Braddon flats, where they found Graham near one of the carports.
After a short foot chase, an officer found Graham sitting on a dark-coloured motorcycle with the engine running and without a helmet, the court heard.
The officer walked towards him and told him to stop, but Graham accelerated towards the officer, who dived out of the way.
The mirror hit the officer on the way past and he was grazed as he fell to the ground.
Graham fled the scene.
Graham later pleaded not guilty to a series of offences relating to the incident.
He was acquitted of some, but the judge found him guilty of eight counts, the most serious being aggravated dangerous driving.
The judge also found the man guilty of hindering a public official, common assault, two of not wearing a helmet, two of being an unlicensed rider and failing to stop.
At the sentencing on Friday, Justice Mossop said there were good signs Graham had progressed in his rehabilitation, though it was still early days.
He said while the man needed to be held accountable for the crimes, it was also appropriate to give him an opportunity to demonstrate his rehabilitation.
The judge handed the man a five month jail sentence, fully suspended on the man entering a two year good behaviour order.
He also fined Graham $2200.
He was automatically disqualified from driving for 12 months.
