Kacey Deven Zutt: Drunk driver who tried to outrun police cops massive fine and driving disqualification

A drunk driver who tried to outrun police after being spotted with no headlights has been fined and disqualified from getting behind the wheel for nearly two years. Kacey Deven Zutt appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was sentenced for driving under the influence of alcohol. The 24-year-old also pleaded guilty to obstructing public officers resulting from the same driving incident in Mt Barker on February 24. Prosecuting Sgt Warrick Walker told the court that police were patrolling on Lowood Road when they saw a Holden Colorado driving with no headlights on and the rear tailgate open. Zutt was behind the wheel of the vehicle and drove into a nearby carpark before escaping on foot, jumping over a wall and running into an alley. He was cornered and when an officer tried to arrest Zutt, the pair became entangled in a struggle and fell to the ground. The officer’s head hit a rock, causing a minor injury, and enabling Zutt to escape before he was arrested and charged. Zutt returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.171 and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. Sgt Walker said the accused had a prior drink driving offence and had been determined to evade police on February 24. Legal aid lawyer Michelle Gonsalves said Zutt had undergone a successful five-session alcohol and drug diversion program, and had a good support network around him. She said Zutt had been gainfully employed since he finished high school. The court was also told that Zutt was on a suspended sentence from the District Court. Magistrate Erin O’Donnell fined Zutt $2400 and disqualified him from driving for 18 months for the DUI charge. She decided to wait until the outcome of the suspended sentence breach before handing down a punishment for the obstructing police charge. Zutt will appear in court again on the obstruct police charge on August 29.