A man has been jailed for running a red light during a police chase in the Hunter and causing a crash that injured an innocent driver.
Jason Jones, 35, was sentenced in Newcastle District Court on Friday, June 12, to a maximum of two years and six months in jail.
It was about 10.30am on June 6 last year when Jones accelerated harshly away from police, who had activated their lights and siren, going at least 100kmh in a 50kmh zone at East Maitland.
Police gave chase as Jones' Holden Caprice crossed the New England Highway before again speeding up to double the signposted limit.
At the intersection of Chelmsford Drive and the New England Highway, Jones slammed into the side of a Mitsubishi Triton while trying to run a red light on a left-hand turn.
The ute spun numerous times and hit a guard rail. The driver was taken to Maitland Hospital with leg injuries and required ongoing rehabilitation after the crash. All its airbags went off and it suffered significant damage.
Police removed Jones and he was arrested. Officers then discovered $13,900 cash in bundles, 0.44 grams of methamphetamine, and seven tablets of oxycodone, all inside a Gucci bag.
Police found a baton within reach of the driver's seat.
Judge Roy Ellis found special circumstances in the case and said Jones needed to participate in full-time rehabilitation for substance abuse relapse prevention. The court heard he had supporters in the community.
"It's clear that he had a rather traumatic upbringing," Judge Ellis said.
Jones was disqualified from driving at the time and was on parole for separate matters.
He pleaded guilty to police pursuit, possessing a prohibited weapon, recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime, driving disqualified and two counts of possessing prohibited drugs.
Jones will become eligible for parole after one year. With time served, he could be released in September this year. His licence was disqualified for two-and-a-half years.
