19-05-2025
Samantha Lethaby of Mildura crashes after alleged police pursuit
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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.
