An ice-addict's "terrifying" driving was so dangerous that a magistrate says his case could have easily ended-up in the coroner's court.
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And Richard Funston said it might have been the death of a regular person going about their daily life, rather than Casey Ferrara.
He described the 25-year-old North Albury man's actions as those of a "drug-addicted maniac".
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"This kind of driving is just absolutely out-of-control," he said of Ferrara's police pursuit, which was followed by an hour of him driving at speed, often on the wrong side of the road and so putting many other motorists at risk.
"There's no doubt he needs major drug rehabilitation.
"It must break his mother's heart to have to come to court to hear this, and his sister's heart."
Mr Funston said the message had to be made loud and clear "that the community does not accept this".
Ferrara pleaded guilty, from Junee jail, to police pursuit, dangerous driving, disqualified driving and, in relation to $4520 in cash found in his car on his arrest, goods in custody.
Albury police received information on May 29 about 5.15pm that Ferrara, who was wanted on outstanding Victorian warrants, was at an address in Tallowwood Street, Thurgoona.
They converged on the house in two cars to arrest Ferrara, who as they approached was seen to be driving away.
They pursued the ute through Thurgoona, with Ferrara seen to overtake other vehicles on Quandong Road in such a way he almost had a collision with oncoming traffic.
This behaviour was repeated on the Riverina Highway, through Springdale Heights, Lavington and North Albury, then he drove to Wodonga and back.
Ferrara was jailed for two years and will be eligible for parole on May 28, 2021.
