Race Act Of 'gross Stupidity'

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday September 11, 2007

By PAUL MAGUIRE

LIVES were at risk when Michael James Williams drove his Holden Commodore, with two passengers on board, at 120 kmh on the wrong side of the road between 20 parked vehicles and 40 spectators during an illegal street race at Kooragang Island.

Williams, 19, of Isaacs Street, Metford, pleaded guilty in Maitland Local Court yesterday to racing on Greenleaf Road at 11pm on February 22.

Solicitor Peter Cleaves, for Williams, described the race as an act of gross stupidity.

Police documents tendered to magistrate Stephen Jackson said officers in an unmarked vehicle saw Williams drive his car along Greenleaf Road and line it up on the wrong side of the road in an 80 kmh zone next to a silver vehicle.

Both cars then accelerated harshly, with the police car in pursuit doing up to 130 kmh over more than 600 metres before the racers were stopped.

Williams admitted the race was stupid and said he did not know the person he raced.

Williams also pleaded guilty yesterday to breaking into a Thornton motorcycle shop with four juveniles on January 31 and stealing two 1100cc bikes and three helmets.

Police documents said the group threw a rock through a glass door to gain entry and initially took four bikes and three helmets worth about $5000.

Mr Cleaves said Williams had since done work for the shop owner, who considered the debt repaid, and had offered to help Williams get counselling, more education and eventually work.

Mr Jackson placed Williams on a three-year good behaviour bond and ordered him to accept counselling for the stealing offence.

For street racing, Williams was fined $750, ordered to pay $70 court costs and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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