Aden Fergus, 24, of Keppel Street, appeared in person and unrepresented before magistrate Michael Allen in Bathurst Local Court on Monday to answer two charges – driving a class A motor vehicle at a speed exceeding 45km/h over the speed limit and drive recklessly/furiously at a speed or manner dangerous.

The first charge against Fergus was withdrawn and dismissed, but he was convicted on the second matter.

The court heard that on March 20 this year at around 9.40pm, police attached to the Traffic and Highway Patrol arm of Chifley local area command were conducting stationary speed enforcement along Conrod Straight, Mount Panorama.

Fergus was travelling north towards police, and came into sight about 600 metres from their car. 

Officers immediately noticed he was travelling at a speed in excess of 60km/h, the posted speed limit for the road.

Police radar recorded the car driving at 104km/h, but the car accelerated quickly, and police recorded a speed of 170km/h as it approached the stationary police car.

Police immediately activated their lights and warning siren, at which point Fergus’ car began to brake suddenly.

As police approached the vehicle they warned Fergus he was being recorded by the highway patrol,s in-car video system.

They asked for his driver’s licence and subjected him to a road side breath test, which produced a negative result.

Police said Fergus could not provide an explanation for why he was travelling at 110km/h over the speed limit.

Police suspended his licence on the spot, and also impounded his vehicle which was towed from the scene.

Police told the court his manner of driving posed extreme potential for serious injury or death for not only Fergus, but his passenger as well as police at the scene.

Mr Allen convicted Fergus on the drive recklessly and furiously at a speed or manner dangerous, fining him $1000, and

disqualifying him from driving for two years, with Section 225 (3) of the Roads and Traffic Act to apply.