A man police say led them on a high-speed chase through the territory’s north was before a magistrate only days earlier, a court has heard.
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Daniel James Nicholas, 28, was granted bail when he appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday on charges of dangerous driving, not obeying a police direction and driving while disqualified.
Police said officers tried to pull over a green Holden Commodore in Antill Street, Dickson, about 2.55pm on Thursday.
It was in poor condition and had what appeared to be home-made number plates attached.
But, police allege, Nicholas instead fled into Downer, reaching speeds of up to 120km/h in a 50km/h zone. The pursuit ended when he stopped and ran into a house, giving himself up after a short negotiation.
A police informant said Nicholas had been arrested and brought before the court on Tuesday after breaching his community service obligations.
The prosecution opposed the bail application. It said Nicholas was a flight risk and could commit further offences if released.
The prosecutor said bail conditions could not cope with Nicholas’ tendency to put others in danger and disregard court orders.
But the defence said Nicholas was willing to pay a surety and to abide by strict bail conditions, including having no access to motor vehicles.
Magistrate Robert Cook agreed to release Nicholas on bail but warned it was his last chance. He admitted the accused’s criminal history showed aberrations in his ability to be a law-abiding citizen.
But he said he had seen no evidence to prove the defendant was a flight risk.
He ordered Nicholas to reside in Downer and report to police three times a week.
Mr Cook also told Nicholas to complete 40hours of outstanding community service before the matter returned to court for a bail progress report in March.