A RUNAWAY driver wedged her car between a tree and a fence next to the Gawler Racecourse on Monday afternoon, bringing an end to a police pursuit.

Just after 1.30pm on May 13, police spotted a silver Holden sedan bearing Victorian registration plates travelling north along Adelaide Road, Evanston.

Police noticed the front-seat passenger of the Holden – later identified as Michael Beckerleg – had his body outside of the car, sitting on the window’s edge, as it drove along.

The patrol car attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and sped away along Twentyfirst Street, where it was pursued until hitting a dead end.

The vehicle then drove onto the grounds of the Gawler Racecourse, before becoming wedged between a tree and a fence alongside the Gawler rail line, trapping the three occupants.

A check of the vehicle discovered it was displaying incorrect plates, with police making inquiries interstate to verify if it was stolen – it was later confirmed the vehicle had not been reported stolen.

The alleged driver, a 25-yearold Victorian woman, was arrested and charged with engaging in a police pursuit, driving without due care, driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle and displaying false number plates.

She was refused bail and was expected to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court yesterday.

The other passenger, Gabriella Butcher, also from Victoria, speaking to Nine News Adelaide after the accident, said “something in (the driver’s head) made her think she could probably make it through (the gap at the racecourse), but she didn’t”.

Miss Butcher added she had little remorse for her involvement in the accident.

“Not really; it’s not the first time, and I don’t think it will be the last,” she told Nine.

Miss Butcher, 19, was issued with a cannabis expiation notice after a small amount of the drug was found in her possession, while Mr Beckerleg was issued with an expiation notice for travelling in a motor vehicle with part of his body outside.