Samantha Lethaby of Mildura crashes after alleged police pursuit
A Mildura woman allegedly accelerated directly at police officers during a frantic early morning chase, before crashing headlong into a tree insisted it was her intended target all along, a court has heard.
Samantha Lethaby fronted Mildura Magistrates' Court seeking bail while facing multiple charges including aggravated exposure to an emergency worker by driving.
The court heard at 3.50am on May 15, Ms Lethaby and another person were allegedly driving a Suzuki Swift without lights on.
When police activated their lights, Ms Lethaby allegedly sped away rather than pulling over, turning into a court. Knowing the street was a dead end, police waited for her to return.
It was alleged Lethaby then drove directly toward police at high speed, mounting the kerb in a desperate bid to escape, before losing control and smashing into a tree.
After being arrested, Ms Lethaby was transported to hospital. Police searched the vehicle and allegedly uncovered stolen bank cards. Further inspection of Ms Lethaby's handbag at hospital allegedly revealed quantities of methamphetamine and ecstasy tablets.
Ms Lethaby allegedly told police she hadn't aimed at them but was deliberately steering toward the tree she ultimately hit.
The court heard she had moved to Mildura only two weeks earlier and already had multiple pending matters at Latrobe Magistrates' Court.
Police opposed bail, however, defence lawyer Sasha Leon Molina argued suitable conditions including regular reporting, orders to abstain from drugs and driving, along with participation in the Court Integrated Services Program (CISP) would mitigate any risk.
Magistrate Patrick Southey indicated a surety of $2000, which Ms Lethaby said her mother could provide, would strengthen her bail application.
Mr Southey called Ms Lethaby's excuses for her alleged offending 'troubling, even if you believe (her excuses), which I don't.'
'It is not a weak case whatsoever,' he said.
Ms Lethaby was denied bail and would reappear before the court on June 5.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Burlesque star Lyra La Belle's $4.5k feather fans stolen from car in Ridleyton
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. A globally-recognised South Australian burlesque star has been left devastated by the theft of thousands of dollars worth of feather fans used during performances. The previously-crowned Miss Hollywood Burlesque and one-time Miss Burlesque South Australia, who runs Hot Sauce Burlesque dance schools across Adelaide, is desperately trying to locate the 22 sets of giant feather fans which were in her car at home. Chrissy Brown, aka Lyra La Belle, said 20 of the missing fans were used as props by her dance students while two were her personal performance accessories – one specifically made for her upcoming role headlining the Australian Burlesque Festival in October. 'Feather fans are an iconic 'bump and grind' burlesque prop, used both for 'tease and reveal' and as something that's just visually beautiful to watch where the fans are used as a shaping tool – they're a frame and you're the picture,' the 49-year-old said. The fans are made up of individual feathers, each about the length of a human arm, and typically cost between $350 and $800. 'I was in complete shock when I realised they'd been taken, I just stared out into space for a bit, then I went and sat on the bed and cried, (before) calling the police,' she said. 'I put a post out to my (dance school) community and a few of my gorgeous students came to my house and we scoured my street, looking in bins, to see if they'd been dumped anywhere … I was devastated at this point.' The small business owner, who has grown her dance schools from four to 200 students in eight years, said replacing the fans which were in a black bag – 10 pale blue, 10 bright pink, one white and one red – would cost about $4500. Brown has urged the fans be returned to her home at Ridleyton where her car was parked last Saturday or, if found, dropped at Kennards Self Storage at 103 Port Rd Thebarton. 'No questions will be asked – I just want them back,' she said. Supporters are scouring online platforms such as Marketplace and eBay for the items. Originally published as Adelaide burlesque queen Chrissy Brown, aka Lyra La Belle, left reeling from theft of $4.5k stage feathers
Herald Sun
5 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Dimboola, Victoria: One injured, truck bursts into flames after major collision
Don't miss out on the headlines from Breaking News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Two truck drivers have made a lucky escape after two trucks burst into flames in a multi-vehicle collision in Victoria's west, leaving parts of the Western Highway closed. Emergency services were called to the Western Highway in Dimboola, about 330km northwest of Melbourne, about 7.20am Sunday after reports of a two-truck collision. Two truck drivers have had a lucky escape after two trucks collided on a major highway before bursting into flames. Picture: Ben Jones Two B-double trucks caught fire during the accident, with one engulfed in flames and sending billowing black smoke into the air. One of the truck drivers sustained minor injuries to his upper body and was transported to hospital, while the other truck driver was not injured. The Western Highway is closed between the Dimboola-Rainbow Rd and the Borung Hwy. Picture: Ben Jones The Western Highway is closed between Dimboola-Rainbow Rd and the Borung Hwy. 'Please follow directions of traffic management and allow extra travel time,' a VicTraffic statement read. Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Originally published as One injured, truck bursts into flames after major collision in Dimboola
Courier-Mail
5 hours ago
- Courier-Mail
Samantha Fielder: Tributes flow for 21yo killed in Nankin crash
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rockhampton. Followed categories will be added to My News. Tributes have poured in for a much-loved 21-year-old killed in a tragic car crash in Nankin earlier this month. Samantha Fielder died when the Mazda she was travelling in collided with a Nissan Patrol on Emu Park Rd on August 3. A GoFundMe page set up to help her family has already raised more than $10,000. Sharing the 'devastating' loss of her daughter via the page, Lisa Pobjoy said Samantha was more than just a name – 'she was the light in every room, the laughter in our lives, and the soul of our family'. Krystale McIntyre, Ms Fielder's sister-in-law, said the loss had 'absolutely shattered our family and everyone who knew her'. 'She was full of life, laughter, and love who touched so many in our community,' Ms McIntyre wrote on Facebook. 'We're reaching out to ask for your support in helping us raise funds for her funeral and memorial. Samantha Fielder, 21, was killed in a car crash near Rockhampton. 'This is one of the hardest things we've ever faced, but the love of a community can make all the difference. 'Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' Meanwhile, the people who loved Ms Fielder left moving tributes on Facebook this week. 'Sammy, you are so loved,' Sah Milner said. 'I will forever miss you. 'Thinking of your mumma bear. Fly high darlin'.' Kiera Meredith wrote: 'Our beautiful girl. Taken far too soon.' Sheree Wol commented: 'Awww sweet Sammy. Love and condolences to all of her family and her many friends. 'So heartbreaking and tragic. A beautiful young life lost too soon but Samantha you will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.' Samantha Fielder, 21, was killed in a car crash near Rockhampton. Chris Matthews said he had grown up alongside Samantha at school and she was 'always so kind'. Malinda Compton wrote: 'Fly high darling My condolences to the family'. Denise Klippel Ross said she 'so sorry' Ms Fielder had been taken so soon. Connor Swayn said he would miss her 'heaps'. 'Thank you for all the fun times,' he wrote. 'Spread your beautiful wings and shine pretty angel.' Tazmin Mortimer said Ms Fielder was an 'amazing woman'. 'It was a pleasure to know you,' she wrote. 'Sending my love and condolences to your family.'
