A Berkeley man who compared his compulsion to drive to a drug addiction has been sentenced to 16 months in jail after he fled from police in a stolen Audi.
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Kyle David John Alcock, 29, was on parole when he was spotted by police in Warilla on January 11, behind the wheel of a white Audi sedan that had been reported stolen that morning.
When Alcock realised the police had seen him he reversed at speed from the southern end of Ponsford Avenue into Bradman Drive.
Police activated warning signals, however Alcock fled well in excess of the speed limit through residential streets.
The chase was called off, and a PolAir helicopter brought in to help find the car.
Shortly after 7.30pm the same evening a member of the public reported a white sedan speeding along Northcliffe Drive, Berkeley.
PolAir flew over and found a white Audi in the bushland between Gallop Street and Baronga Avenue. A man matching Alcock's description was seen entering a house nearby.
Police surrounded the house and forced their way in, where they found Alcock hiding under the bed in the master bedroom, and arrested him.
Police also found a white man-bag which contained Alcock's ID and a key to the Audi in the bush, which was later confirmed to be the Audi reported stolen that morning.
Alcock was charged with reckless driving in a police pursuit, drive recklessly in a manner dangerous, drive conveyance taken without consent of the owner and drive while disqualified.
The court heard Alcock had an acquired brain injury and had an impulsive desire to drive, although he knew he was not allowed to. He pleaded guilty to the offences.
"It's like being addicted to drugs," he said.
Magistrate Claire Girotto told Alcock his criminal history meant further driving offences would mean more jail time.
"Your record is atrocious ... it is really sad to see," she said.
"I understand you have an uncontrollable urge to drive, but if you keep doing things like this you are going to end up in jail for a long time. You should get some help."
Alcock received an aggregate sentence of 16 months jail, with a non-parole period of eight months.
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