A man awoken by police as he slept in a stolen car has led officers on a "dangerous" car chase through Canberra streets, at times with only two functioning tyres.
Sione Feiloakitau Tuifua "revved [the car] heavily" after he woke up to start the pursuit through residential areas.
The man previously admitted dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle without consent, possessing a knife without reasonable excuse and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
On Thursday, special magistrate Sean Richter handed Tuifua an almost 18-month intensive correction order, to be served in the community, for the collection of unrelated crimes.
According to facts of the case read in court, police tried to wake the dangerous driver in September 2022 by tapping on the windows of the stolen car.
Appearing to be intoxicated, Tuifua woke up before speeding away from police.
During the pursuit through north Canberra, police spikes took out two of the vehicle's tyres but Tuifua continued driving. He swerved between cars while attempting to flee.
The man also veered into the path of another car, which was forced off the road to avoid a collision.
Police gave up the chase due to concerns for public safety.
But while Tuifua's crimes took place more than a year and two years ago, respectively, the court heard he had turned his life around since the death of his father.
Defence lawyer Ana Qvist said any day of the week she would concede full time custody, but "not today".
She said there was clear evidence from his family and psychologist confirming his rehabilitation.
"I can say I've seen it in him, and it's very rare to be able to see rehabilitation in a client," she said.
"He's back in the family home, back on antidepressants, seeing a psychologist every month, off the heroin, he's now the carer of his brother.
"That speaks volumes to the trust he's had to earn from his family, to have that role."
Handing down the sentence, Mr Richter said it was "one of the better days" of his job, and urged Tuifua to hold on to his future "with both hands".
"I'm hoping I don't ever have to see you back here again," the magistrate said.
"Take this chance, use it, grow your bonsai trees, become a carpenter again."
