Drug-addled and armed
AN IPSWICH man armed with a screw driver stole a car and went on a 90km rampage while trying to "escape" demons chasers as he suffered a drug-induced psychosis.
Timothy John Nicholas, 28, stole the near-new Toyota Prado from a terrified couple and embarked on the wild ride from Redbank Plains to Boonah, tearing dangerously through road works and along major highways in a bid to evade the demons he believed were stalking him and his girlfriend, who was also in the vehicle.
Nicholas rammed a police car at a tavern, stole petrol from a servo at Aratula and smashed through gates at a private property near Boonah.
He then dumped the Prado, fled into bushland on foot and headed towards road works, threatening to steal a council worker's car.
He was unsuccessful so continued along the highway on foot until he found another vehicle and smashed its window with a piece of wood.
Crown prosecutor Kris Ashen told Ipswich District Court as Nicholas was trying to "hot wire" the car, police arrived and Nicholas put up a "significant fight" and had to be subdued with capsicum spray.
In total Nicholas caused $37,500 damage and covered about 94km while driving dangerously.
The court heard Nicholas was on parole for armed robbery.
Judge Deborah Richards ordered Nicholas to serve 20 months of a five-year sentence, so with time already spent in custody he will be eligible for parole on December 21.
