He had recently consumed alcohol and a check by a highway patrol officer revealed Mastenbroek’s probationary licence in Victoria had been disqualified until December 9, 2015.

Mastenbroek then told police: “I thought that it was just disqualified in Victoria. Things are getting worse, aren’t they?”

Police facts tendered in Albury Local Court say Mastenbroek’s driving put himself, a male passenger and other road users in extreme danger.

He had shown a complete disregard for the safety of others and the ban on his driving; and his dangerous display happened just 100 metres from a hotel which was filled with patrons.

Mastenbroek, 21, formerly of Wodonga, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, low-range drink-driving, disqualified driving and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

He had recently moved to Albury and magistrate Tony Murray ordered a pre-sentence report with sentencing deferred until August 26.

Mr Murray said Mastenbroek received a jail term in Victoria last year for driving matters and he faced the prospect of a period in custody.

Mastenbroek drove his car out of McDonald’s in Wagga Road about 10.10pm on April 11 and accelerated harshly.

The rear wheels were spinning as he went right and the car turned at right angles to the direction of traffic.

It veered completely into the northbound lanes in front of oncoming vehicles.

But Mastenbroek managed to regain control, get back in his correct lane and avoid a collision with several cars.

The whole display was seen by a highway patrol officer from Holbrook, who was driving nearby.

Mastenbroek was stopped by the officer and said: “Yeah, I was stupid”.

He admitted drinking alcohol before the incident and a later breath analysis provided a reading of 0.064. A check showed he had appeared in Albury Local Court in 2011 on a charge of disqualified driving.

Mastenbroek said he bought the car a week before and police found its registration had expired on August 26, 2012.