A Wollongong man has been sentenced to full-time imprisonment after leading police on a dangerous high-speed chase while nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit. Andrew John Hammond's reckless driving spree through city streets has resulted in a sobering outcome for the 44-year-old.
The court heard disturbing details of Hammond's driving behaviour on the evening of February 10, 2024, when police attempted to stop his Toyota Hilux on Crown Street. Instead of pulling over, Hammond accelerated away, triggering a pursuit that would see him reach speeds of 90km/h in 50km/h zones and run multiple red lights.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie did not mince words when describing the severity of Hammond's actions. "This was an extremely serious example of drink driving," she stated during sentencing proceedings. "The community is rightly concerned about this type of driving behaviour."
Shocking Blood Alcohol Reading
When police finally apprehended Hammond, a breath analysis revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.146 - nearly three times the legal limit for NSW drivers. The reading highlighted the extreme risk Hammond posed to other road users and pedestrians during his dangerous driving episode.
Hammond's defence lawyer argued for leniency, citing his client's early plea and personal circumstances. However, Magistrate Beattie emphasized that the nature of the offence demanded a strong response from the judicial system.
Previous Offences Sealed Fate
The court learned that Hammond had previous drink driving convictions on his record, a factor that significantly influenced the sentencing outcome. Despite defence submissions for an Intensive Corrections Order that would allow Hammond to serve his sentence in the community, the magistrate determined that full-time custody was necessary.
Hammond was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of six months. He will be eligible for release on August 9, 2024, but will face additional consequences including a mandatory three-year driving disqualification upon his release.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences facing drink drivers in New South Wales, particularly those who engage in police pursuits and have prior offences.
