A driver in Australia has been sentenced to 18 months behind bars after leading the police on a chase at speeds of up to 230 km/h (143 mph), News.com.au reports.
In November last year, 28-year-old Margarita Tomovska, who has earned the nickname ‘Mercedes Mum,’ was arrested for going more than double the speed limit in her Mercedes-AMG E 63 S. She also had a three-year-old child in the back sitting in a car seat that was not properly restrained.
Her defense lawyer claimed that she was under duress when she decided to speed away from a highway patrol car because of her front-seat passenger. This passenger, a man named Christopher King, was reportedly so big that authorities needed two sets of handcuffs to restrain him. Magistrate Susan McGowan ruled that Tomovska was not under duress.
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In sentencing the 28-year-old to 18 months in jail with a non-parole period of nine months, Magistrate Roger Clisdell said it was fortunate no one was killed in the high-speed chase.
“One can only think of the horror of what could’ve happened had there been any impact between her vehicle and police,” he said. “The child would’ve been propelled with speeds of at least 150 km/h in that vehicle. It’s hard to think of a police pursuit that would be more dangerous given the speeds involved.”
Police prosecutor Amelia Wall added that Tomovska had shown no signs of regret for her actions.
“The defendant has shown absolutely no remorse. In fact, quite the opposite. She has relished in the attention. Boasting and skylarking on social media. Playing the victim on a GoFundMe page titled ‘Fight Raptor’ trying to raise $100,000 for her own use, all the while gloating on social media about spending thousands on clothing and accessories.”